MURUGESAN SANNASI

The aim of the present study was to assess the toxicity of LINGA CHENDURAM by analytical and toxicological studies. The analytical toxicity study was conducted for physicochemical properties of LINGA CHENDURAM and elements which are present in it. Mercuric sulfide was identified as the main ingredient in the 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 the control. Repeated dose oral toxicity (sub-acute) study in Wistar albino rats (28 days) was 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 600 mg/kg of the test drug, respectively, through the oral route for 28 days. There was significant increase in the level of TLC and Prothrombin time. In contrast, the APTT and MCV level is gradually decreased. There was a significant decrease in the level of urea, potassium and LDL. In contrast, the Total Cholesterol, VLDL, and T3 level are increased. There was a degenerative change in the brain and kidney, inflammatory change in the liver, and congestion in the lung and spleen. The present studies confirm the LINGA CHENDURAM toxicity during prolonged administration of very high doses.