Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of Linga Chenduram – A Classical Siddha Formulation

The aim of the present study was to assess the toxicity of Linga Chenduram by Analytical and Toxicological studies. Physicochemical properties of Linga Chenduram were investigated analytically, and the drug's solubility characteristics, density, melting point, and pH were determined. X-Ray Fluorescence study revealed the presence of elements such as Mercury, Sulfur, and Arsenic. The Mercuric sulphide was identified as a main ingredient in test drug. Acute oral toxicity study in Wistar albino rats was conducted as per the OECD Guidelines 401 and 420. Groups of animals of a single sex were dosed in a stepwise procedure using the fixed doses of 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg. There was no significant toxicity in the treated group compared to control. Repeated dose oral toxicity (sub-acute) study in Wistar albino rats (28 days) were conducted as per the OECD Guideline 407. Twenty-four rats were selected and divided into four groups of six rats each. The animals in group I (control) received honey daily, while those in groups II, III, IV received 200, 400 and 600mg/kg of test drug, respectively, through the oral route for 28 days. There was a significant increase in the level of TLC and Prothrombin time. In contrast, the APTT and MCV level is gradually decreased by dose dependent pattern. There was a significant decrease in the level of urea, potassium and LDL. In contrast, the Total Cholesterol, VLDL and T3 level is increased. There was degenerative change in brain and kidney, inflammatory change in liver and congestion in lung and spleen in the high dose group (600mg/kg). The present studies confirm the Linga Chenduram toxicity during prolonged administration of very high doses (600mg/kg). The normal human dose of Linga Chenduram is 65 mg. It is very minimal dose to compare the study group doses. If the test drug at 0.9mg /Kg /BW as per literature is given do not produce toxicity.