An Evaluation of the Oral Toxicity of Shwaskas Chintamani Rasa in Wistar Rats for 90-Days Repeated Administration

Objectives

Toxicological research employing Herbo-Metallic (HM) medicine is essential to confirm that such medication has no harmful effects on humans. Despite the fact that the mercury level in Shwaskas Chintamani rasa which is used for respiratory infections has generated safety concerns, there are currently no scientifically validated data on toxicological features and the safety of the drug. As a result, the current study on Shwaskas Chintamani rasa used a sub-chronic study with albino Wistar rats to characterize its toxicological effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Shwaskas Chintamani Rasa in Wistar rats following repeated oral administration for 90 days.

Materials and Methods

Wistar rats (160-180 g) were divided into four groups (n=6), each containing an equal number of male and female rats. Group II, III and IV were administered with low (51.36 mg/kg, p.o.), moderate (205.44 mg/kg, p.o.), or high (513.6 mg/kg, p.o.) doses of the test drug, respectively, for 13 weeks. The control group received the vehicle (2:3 of honey: water). Physical examination for body weight, food and water intake was carried out. Urine analysis was performed one week before sacrifice. On the 91^st day, the animals were sacrificed and hematological, biochemical parameters, organ histology was examined.

Results

Study revealed that there were no apparent harmful effects or deaths from Shwaskas Chintamani rasa in 3 dose levels.

Conclusion

Thus, this research provides scientific evidence about safety of Shwaskas Chintamani rasa as it does not produce any toxicity in Wistar rats and may be clinically used to treat pregnancy-related illnesses.