Safety evaluation of a polyherbal formulation: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study using Wistar Albino rats

Abstract

Vatrog Nashak Churna (VNC) is a traditional polyherbal formulation for musculoskeletal diseases. Although the safety and mechanism of toxicity of the individual herbs have been explored, the formulation remains undocumented in the literature. Research into its sub-acute toxicity will strengthen its pharmacological outline and encourage its investigation as a potential future treatment. Rats were split into three groups (n¼12) by OECD TG 407 (OECD, 2008). The limit test determined the necessary amount of VNC. The control groups were given an identical volume of vehicle, while the dosing and monitoring groups were given VNC (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 14 days). The duration of the post-treatment surveillance period was extended by 14 days in order to evaluate reversibility. Deaths, toxic reactions, and weight shifts were all recorded. On days 15 and 29, the rats were killed while under anaesthesia so that blood samples could be collected to analyze for haematological and biochemical markers. Histopathological studies and evaluation of a wide range of biochemical and hematological parameters indicated that VNC has no appreciable harmful effect on body weight, erythropoiesis, or leucopoiesis. This study may assist scientists in determining appropriate levels for longer-term sub-chronic investigations so that VNC may be considered safe for short-term use. Sub-chronic and chronic toxicity tests must also assess long-term safety.