Studies on the safety profiles of a Siddha preparation -Thirithodamathirai

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Thirithodamathirai (TTM)is aherbo metallic formulation of Siddha system of medicine also called as Veeramathirai or Mukkutra mathirai. Therapeutically it is recommended for all types of fever, delirium, and lung infections. It has only two ingredients namely veeram(Mercuric chloride,20%)and pepper seeds (80%). In this study, Veeram was detoxified and the test sample Thirithodamathirai prepared as per the instruction given in the classical siddha text Siddha vaithiyathirattu. It is a highly poisonous substance and if prepared improperly will have toxic effects. Materials and Methods: Plant materials used to detoxify the toxic effect of veeram are bitter gourd, milk, lemon juice and tender coconut. In the present study, the method using lemon juice was used in the detoxification procedure. After detoxification, veeramwas used in preparing the mathirai. This research work focuses on studying the safety profiles of Thirithoda mathirai by carrying out in vivo single dose toxicity studies in female Wistar rats. Thirithoda mathirai was dissolved in purified water, was administered to the experimental animals at a dose level of 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and were observed for 14 days. Results:Single dose oral administration of the mathirai at a dose of 50 mg/kg caused no harmful toxic effects on the body mass / body weight changes and food intake in Thirithodamathirai treated female rats. Dose levels of 300 and 2000 mg/kg showed 33.3 and 100% mortality respectively. Conclusion:The acute oral LD50 of Thirithodamathirai for Wistar rats was observed to be 500mg/kg body weight.