Subacute Oral Toxicity Studies of Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets Formulated for Managing Pain and Inflammation of Joints

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this investigation was to assess the subacute oral toxicity of the Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets, a polyherbal formulation used to manage pain and inflammation due to various pathological reasons, including osteoarthrosis, polyarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic degenerative disorders. Materials and Methods: The subacute toxicity studies of Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets were conducted using Wistar albino rats of both sexes, according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development-approved procedures. In this study, rats were orally administered Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets daily at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Throughout the study period, general behavior, mortality, and adverse effects were recorded. Body weight, selected hematological and clinical chemistry parameters were determined at the end of the investigation period. Finally, histopathological analysis was performed to determine whether the study drug was inducing any alternations in the vital organs. Results: Daily administration of Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets for a continuous 28 days did not record any major toxicity indications. Additionally, no significant variation in food and water consumption, body weight, relative organs and hematology and clinical chemistry parameters was recorded in both sexes compared to the control. Histopathological investigation of the vital organs also revealed normal architecture, which suggests no morphological alterations after the administration of Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets. Conclusion: The outcomes of this investigation confirmed that Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets did not have the potential to induce toxicity signs in the experimental rats. The No observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) for female and male rats of Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablets under these experimental conditions was 500 mg/kg body weight. Based on the NOAEL, the human equivalent dose of the Pankajakasthuri Orthoherb Tablet was calculated at 5.195 g/day.