Abstract

SAFETY EVALUATION STUDY OF RASAKARPURA (A MERCURIAL MEDICINE OF AYURVED) AT THERAPEUTIC DOSE LEVEL IN CHARLES FOSTER ALBINO RATS

Mehta N. J., Ashok B. K. , 3B.Ravishankar, Prajapati P. K.

ABSTRACT

Rasakarpura is a mercurial Ayurvedic formulation prepared by using Parada (Mercury), Gandhakamla (Sulphuric Acid) and Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt). It is used internally and externally to treat diseases. As the chemical composition of Rasakarpura is being Mercuric Chloride, there can be apprehensions about its safety. As a preliminary study, repeated dose toxicity of Rasakarpura on oral administration was carried out at therapeutically effective dose (TED) in Charles Foster strain albino rats in comparison with standard Mercuric chloride. The effect of drug administration was noted on the ponderal, biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters. The difference between the groups was statistically determined by student’s t test (unpaired) with the significance at P<0.05. Chronic administration of Rasakarpura lead to some changes in haematological and serum biochemical parameters while normal cytoarchitecture was observed in almost all the organs studies except testis. In contrast in mercuric chloride administered group along significant alteration was occurred in majority of the parameters recorded. This preliminary study shows at therapeutic dose level both Rasakarpura and mercuric chloride have toxic potential, however Rasakarpura has comparatively very less tendency to produce toxicity. So Rasakarpura has to be administered very cautiously with adequate dilutions and proper vehicles and combinations.

Keywords: Rasakarpura, Mercuric chloride, Mercury, Parada, Toxicity