Abstract

ACUTE AND CHRONIC TOXICITY EVALUATION OF SIDDHA DRUG KANTHAATHI CHOORANAM

Gowri V.*, Mahendran M., Thangadurai K. and Raman R.

Abstract

Siddha system of Medicine has its origin in southern part of India and it has a vast traditional literature. The unique feature of Siddha medicines is the preparation of high order pharmaceutical forms of medicines which is a combination of herbals, minerals and metals. The Drug Kanthathi Choornam (KC) is one such herbomineral formulation that has been indicated in ―Anuboga Vaithiya Navaneetham Part- I‖, for En-vagai Gunmam (Acid peptic diseases), Peruvayiru (Ascitis), Manneeral Veekam (Spleenomegaly) and Neer Kovai (Sinusitis). In this study Acute and Chronic Toxicity study was carried out in Wistar albino rats to evaluate the safety of Kanthaathi Chooranam. Acute toxicity evaluation was carried in 30 rats were divided into 6 groups with, each group consisting of 5 rats for a period of 24 Hour in various doses. Group I served as Control. Group II, Group III, Group IV, Group V and Group VI (40 mg, 160mg, 320mg and 640mg of KC/body weight of animal respectively) according to WHO guidelines. The results showed no signs of toxicity such as change in general behavior, mortality, or change in gross appearance of internal organs. Chronic toxicity (90-days oral toxicity) was carried by giving KC for a period of 90 days. Group -I Served as control. Group II and Group III received 40mg and 80mg of KC/body weight of animal respectively. The results showed no abnormalities in sensory reactivity to stimuli, and no changes were observed in body weight, The observed Hematological values were within limits. No histopathological abnormalities were observed Liver and Kidney tissues. Hence the drug Kanthaathi Chooranam was found to be safe.

Keywords: Kanthaathi Chooranam, Siddha, herbomineral formulation, Acid peptic diseases, Spleenomegaly, Toxicity studies.