Abstract

COMPARATIVE IN VITRO CYTOTOXICITY EVALUATION OF AMRITHAMANJARI RASA USING THE MTT ASSAY ON MOUSE FIBROBLAST (L929) CELL LINE

Dr. Kavya*, Dr. Seema M. B., Dr. Surekha S. Medikeri

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda acknowledges that all substances can act as medicine when appropriately processed and administered. Rasashastra, the alchemical branch of Ayurveda, transforms potentially toxic materials such as metals and minerals into therapeutically beneficial and biocompatible forms through elaborate purification and incineration processes. Amrithamanjari Rasa, a classical Khalwiya Rasayana described in Rasendra Sara Sangraha under Kasa Roga Adhikara, contains ingredients such as Shuddha Hingula and Shuddha Vatsanabha, both categorized under Schedule E[1] of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. Hence, scientific validation of its safety is essential. The present study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of Amrithamanjari Rasa on mouse fibroblast (L929) cell lines using the MTT assay. Results revealed that while the standard drug doxorubicin exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity with an IC₅₀ of 8.939 μM, Amrithamanjari Rasashowed minimal cytotoxicity, with cell viability remaining above 80% even at the highest concentration tested (320 μg/mL). Since 50% inhibition of cell viability was not observed, an IC₅₀ value could not be determined. These findings indicate excellent biocompatibility and a wide safety margin for normal cells. The negligible cytotoxicity may be attributed to traditional Shodhana and Bhavana processes, which promote the formation of stable metal– organic complexes, thereby reducing free metal ion toxicity. Thus, Amrithamanjari Rasa demonstrates a favourable safety profile, supporting its traditional claims of therapeutic efficacy and safe use.

Keywords: Amrithamanjari Rasa, Rasashastra, Herbomineral formulation, MTT assay, Cytotoxicity, Biocompatibility.