Acute and sub‑chronic toxicity study of Brahmi ghrita in rodents

Abstract

Context: Brahmi Ghrita (BG) contains Brahmi (Bacopa monneri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Puran Ghrita, mentioned for treatment of various diseases. Aim: To assess acute and sub‑chronic toxicity of Brahmi Ghrita in mice and rats, respectively. Materials and Methods: In acute toxicity study, Swiss strain albino mice were administered orally Brahmi Ghrita doses of 1, 2.5 and 5 g/kg and observed for behavioural changes and mortality, if any. In sub chronic toxicity study, Charles Foster albino rats were administered two doses of Brahmi Ghrita i.e., 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o. for 30 consecutive days. During 30 days of treatment, rats were observed for any changes in body weight and daily food and water intake. After 30 days, rats were sacrificed for haematological, biochemical and histopathology study. Result: There was no mortality or abnormal behaviour, observed in acute toxicity study in mice at all the three dose levels. In sub‑chronic toxicity study, Brahmi Ghrita did not produce any significant changes in body weight and daily food and water intake of rats when compared to control group rats. Further, haematological and biochemical parameters were also found normal. Histopathological study revealed normal architecture of kidney and liver of Brahmi ghrita treated rats. Conclusion: Brahmi Ghrita is safe in rodent and mice. Key words: Acute toxicity, Brahmi ghrita, sub chronic toxicity