Safety Evaluation of Arsenicum Album in Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Studies in Rats

Abstract

Arsenic album is frequently prescribed in homoeopathy for many diseases. However, its safety data is not available. Thus, the study’s purpose is to evaluate the oral toxicity of Arsenic album 6C, 30C, and 200C in rats. Arsenic album (6C, 30C, and 200C) was given at 2000 μl/kg for acute toxicity and observed for up to 14 days. For subacute toxicity, it was given for 28 days and observed for clinical signs, change in body weight and Mortality. Hematological, biochemical, organ weight and histopathological analyses were assessed. Results indicate no mortality of arsenic album in acute toxicity and LD50 is >2000 μl/kg. In the subacute toxicity study, arsenic album (200 μl/kg) did not show any significant changes in above parameters. It may be concluded that the arsenic album (6C, 30C, and 200C) is safe and produces no toxicity when administered orally for a prolonged duration at 200 μl/kg in rats.