Abstract

ACUTE AND SUB ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY OF LINGA KATTU – AN UNIQUE SIDDHA HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION

M. Ravichandran*

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Linga kattu is a well-known mercury based herbomineral drug of Traditional Siddha system of medicine. It is commonly prescribed for certain diseases, i.e. Fever, Chest pain, Pleurisy, Paralysis, all types of chronic fevers and nervine tonic. The objective of this study was to investigate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Linga kattu in Wistar rats. Methods: In the acute toxicity study, the limited test dose of 2000 mg/kg was administered to Wistar rats and then observed individually one hour post-dosing, and at least once daily for 14 days. Sub-acute toxicity was evaluated after administering daily oral doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg body wt., for 28 days to the rats, Biochemical and haematological assessments as well as body and relative organ weights of the rats were carried out. Results: The limited dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produce any mortality or signs of acute toxicity in the rats tested during the observation period. In the subacute tests, the results did not show any treatment– related abnormalities in terms of haematological and biochemical parameters. However, Administration of Lingakattu did not alter the kidney function significantly. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the Linga kattu is relatively safe when administered orally in rats.

Keywords: Linga kattu, Acute and sub-acute toxicity, Biochemical parameters, Haematological analysis, Wistar rats.