A REVIEW ON ACUTE AND SUBACUTE ORAL TOXICITY STUDIES OF SNUHI (EUPHORBIA NERIIFOLIA LINN.)

Abstract

(Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.) is included in Upavisha as per Ayurvedic classics, and according to modern toxicology, it is classified as irritant organic vegetable poison. It is an active ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations like Chitrakadi taila, Jatyadi varti, Snuhi kshara etc. These formulations are widely used to treat disease conditions like Shotha (Edema), Dushivisha, Aamdosha, etc. Before administering any potential drug to humans, it is essential to evaluate its safety in animals to define safe human doses through validated scientific toxicity studies. Hence, there is a need to conduct toxicity studies of Snuhi and its phytoconstituents in various extract forms to recognise its safety from the perspective of the Globally Harmonised Classification System. In this article, a special emphasis is done on gathering details on acute and subacute oral toxicity studies of Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia Linn.)