Abstract
Background
Hyunburikyung-tang exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 and is clinically used to improve dysmenorrhea in Korea. It contains various medicinal plants including peach seeds (Prunus persica Batsch) and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius Linn). Peach seeds contain amygdalin, which demonstrates teratogenic effects, and safflower is reported to cause reproductive toxicity and teratogenic effects in mice. These findings raise concerns regarding the teratogenic potential of these substances. A potential correlation exists between genotoxicity and teratogenicity. Genotoxic substances can damage DNA and cause mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, which may result in developmental malformations. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether Hyunburikyung-tang causes acute toxicity or genotoxicity.
Methods
Male and female rats were orally administered Hynburikyung-tang to assess acute toxicity. Body weight measurements, general symptom observations, and autopsy examinations were used to confirm toxic responses. Genotoxicity assessment was conducted with bacteria, cells, and mice, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines.
Results
Regarding acute toxicity assessment, no toxic reactions were observed when male and female rats received oral doses of Hyunburikyung-tang (626, 1,250, or 2,500 mg/kg). The genotoxicity tests, which included assessments of reverse mutations, chromosomal aberrations, and micronucleus formation, showed no genotoxic responses.
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that Hyunburikyung-tang does not induce acute toxicity or genotoxicity. Nevertheless, follow-up research should be conducted to confirm toxicity caused by repeated administration.