Abstract

ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES OF NANO-FORMULATIONS OF GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA EXTRACT IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Mukne Alka Pravin*, Viswanathan Vivek, Pharande Rajesh Raghunath, Bannalikar Anilkumar Sadashivrao

ABSTRACT

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has been used as a medicinal herb in various systems of medicine owing to its widespread biological activities. The biological activities may be attributed to polyphenols present in licorice. Since the polyphenols have been reported to have poor bioavailability, it was decided to formulate bioactive licorice extract into suitable nano-formulations viz. polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the acute toxicity of these nano-formulations of licorice. In this study, Swiss Albino mice were given a single dose of nanoparticles and liposomes at 5000 mg/kg and observed for two weeks after administration. During this period, the animals were observed for any abnormal behavior, mortality, body weight changes, any other signs of toxicity and food consumption. Detailed hematological, biochemical and histopathological evaluation of organs was performed for the animals of each group. The Mn- GNP as well as LDPI formulations were well tolerated and no signs or symptoms of toxicity were observed. No significant difference in the hematological and biochemical parameters were seen in any group. The histopathological evaluation of the organs of animals of test group was comparable to that of control group. No mortalities were observed during the study period. The LD50 of both the formulations was more than 5000 mg/kg indicating that they are safe.

Keywords: Acute toxicity, nanoparticles, liposomes, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Swiss Albino mice, licorice.