Assessment of Heavy Metal Induced Organ Toxicity in marketed Ayurvedhic Formulation and Report its LD50 value with Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay

Abstract

Ayurvedhic system of medicine is an ancient and traditional medicine of India. These preparations use combination of remedies to alleviate diseases. Heavy metal poisoning in ayurvedhic preparation contribute to 0.6% of global burden for diseases. Children consuming this estimated to contribute about 6, 00, 000 of newer intellectual disabilities every year. Previously the ayurvedhic preparations were available as bhasmas and they are incorporated with adjuvant heavy metals to increase the potency. Heavy metals often found are lead, arsenic and mercury. Lead interferes with many bodily function affecting brain, lungs, liver and kidney. Arsenic causes keratosis, gangrene; cancer in skin, kidney, bladder and lungs after 20 yrs. Mercury is a neurodevelopmental poison affecting cell migration causing cell degeneration and death. In modern formulations their presence may be excessive because of poor quality control, contamination, adulteration and improper purification. Therefore users of ayurvedhic formulation are at risk of developing heavy metal poisoning leading to organ toxicity. In this study a selective herbal formulation were subjected to estimate for their heavy metal content and its lethality value is found by carrying out with brine shrimp lethality assay.