Assessment of the Genotoxic Potential of Rasamanikya, an Ayurvedic Arsenical Formulation in Albino Rats

Shodhita Haratala (processed orpiment) is a single ingredient of Rasamanikya (RM). Arsenicals are known for producing toxic effects in humans, if not processed as per classical text therefore, the present study was aim to generate data for the safety of RM in albino rats. In the present study, two samples of RM were prepared by using two different purification media of orpiment, i.e., juice of Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cong. and lime water. Extract of Tinospora cordifolia Linn. (GG) was used as an adjuvant. Both the samples of RM along with GG were administered to the albino rats for 60 consecutive days at the therapeutic dose, TED (90 mg/kg) and TED×5 (450 mg/kg) orally in albino rats. Sample of RM along with GG not having the potential to produce any mutagenic or genotoxicity effects in albino rats. Further, there is no significant difference found in the safety of the orpiment on changing of media for purification.