Toxicological Evaluation of <i>Vaisvanara churna</i> an Ayurvedic Formulation

Vaisvanara churna an ayurvedic formulation was screened for its toxicity profile. The study was carried out based on CCRAS Protocols. For the acute oral toxicity study, Group I served as vehicle control, Vaisvanara churna at a single oral dose of 6500 mg/kg b.w., was administered to 5 male and 5 female Swiss albino mice (Group II) and observed for 14 consecutive days for clinical signs, body weight and mortality. For 90 days repeated dose toxicity study eighty animals (40 male and 40 female) were distributed into four groups. Group I served as vehicle control. Groups II, III, and IV were administered with 450, 2250 and 4500 mg/kg b.w., respectively for 90 days orally. During this period, feed intake, body weight, signs of toxicity, haematological and biochemical parameters were recorded at periodical intervals. After 90 days animals were sacrificed for necropsy, vital organs were weighed and preserved for histopathological analysis. In an acute toxicity study, a single dose of Vaisvanara churna at 6500 mg/kg b.w., caused no mortality in animals, suggesting that the median lethal dose is greater than 6500 mg/kg b.w. In 90-day, repeated dose toxicity study, administration of Vaisvanara churna for 90 days, up to 4500 mg/kg b.w., caused no significant changes in body weights or organ weights of rats in the treated groups when compared with the control group. In addition, haematological and biochemical parameters were within the physiological limits. Histopathological analysis revealed no signs of degeneration. These results showed that Vaisvanara churna is apparently safe as indicated therapeutically for long-term administration for chronic ailments.