An Evaluation of Acute Toxicity and Subchronic Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Extract of “Shirishadi”- A Polyherbal Ayurvedic Compound in Rodents

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study was aimed at evaluating the safety profile, acute and subchronic toxicity of Shirishadi polyherbal ayurvedic compound in rodents, commonly used in the treatment of Bronchial Asthma. Acute toxicity was evaluated in wister albino rats by administering orally graded doses of extract of Albezzia lebbeck, Cyperus rotandus and Solanum xanthocarpum (Shirishadi Compound) in the dose of 2000, 5000 mg/kg, 10, and 20 g/kg body weight of animal and observed continuously for first 4 h and hourly for next 12 h, then 8 hourly for next 56 h (72 h, acute toxicity study). The study had been strictly followed the OECD guidance. Adult Wister albino rats were divided into 3 groups with 5 animals in each group and a control group, fed with doses of 5, 100 mg and 150 mg/ml once in a day for 30 days. Effect of drug was evaluated on hematological parameter after every 7 days and histological study was done after sacrificing the animals on 31st day. The median acute toxicity value (LD50) of the extract was found to be infinite and drug was found to be totally non toxic as after ingestion of 20 g no animal found to be dead. Hematological profile shows no abnormal elevation in level of Serum-Bilirubin, GOT, GPT, urea and creatinine. There was no any evidence of toxicity in histopathological studies.