Safety of the Oral Triphala Recipe from Acute and Chronic Toxicity Tests in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: The Indian Ayurvedic herbal formula Triphala (TPL) is known for its pharmacological properties for immunomodulation, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and anti-cancer. This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic toxicities of the Triphala recipe in a rat model. Methods: To assess the acute toxicities, 5000 mg/kg of TPL was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley rats. For chronic toxicities, different dose levels of TPL at 600, 1200, and 2400 mg/kg/day were given daily for 270 days. General health and behaviors and the body and organ weights of the rats were monitored. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were evaluated for hematology and biochemistry profiles. The evaluation of the internal organs’ appurtenance and necropsy was performed to confirm the tissue histopathology. Results: The results showed that there was no sign of acute toxicity in the TPL group with a decrease in sex organ weights. No significant differences in the rats’ behaviors, physical health, body, or organ weights were found between the controls and the rats receiving the 270/day of oral Triphala at 600, 1200, and 2400 mg/kg/day. However, some alterations in blood chemistries and hematology, including glucose, BUN, red blood cells, Hb, HCT, and MCV, were observed without abnormalities in histopathology. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that the long-term use of TPL in rat models is safe. No toxic effects were found, suggesting possible safety for long-term use in humans.