Pathological and Biochemical Evaluation of Toxic Effects of Repeated Administration of Jasada Bhasma (Zinc Ash Formulation) in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Jasada Bhasma is the well known potent zinc formulation commonly used in ‘Ayurveda’ medicine system. Its extensive usage in the health care sector is proved to be successful in the treatment of certain illness and is considered to be popular in its stability, lower dose, and its availability. Aim: To evaluate the toxicity profile of Jasada Bhasma with primary emphasis on haematological, biochemical and histopathological changes in Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: For toxicity study, Wistar albino rats of either sex, weighing from 150-225 gm of body weight were used, and they were divided into three groups, ten rats in each group. Group-I administered with carboxymethyl cellulose and considered as vehicle control. Group-II and III were administered with two levels of Jasada Bhasma, i.e., 10.8 mg/kg (Therapeutic dose) and 54 mg/kg (Five times of therapeutic dose) respectively for 28 consecutive days. On the 28th day, the animals were sacrificed. Blood sample and vital organs were collected for haematological, biochemical and histopathological examinations. Results: The repeated administration of Jasada Bhasma on Wistar albino rats did not produce remarkable toxicity changes at both the dose levels in most of the haematological parameters tested except there was a significant (p<0.01) increase in the mean cell haemoglobin concentration. Biochemically, the significant increase (p<0.01) in the serum creatinine but decrease in urea level has been shown in both levels of administration. The significant rise in potassium and total protein levels were also evident. Histopathologically, sections of liver and kidney showed pathological cytoarchitecture at both level dose exposures. However, sections of spleen showed mild to moderate increase in white pulp proportionate the five times of therapeutic dose level. Conclusion: The repeated administration of test drug Jasada Bhasma at therapeutic dose was relatively safer; however, at higher dose level it produces some functional changes in histopathological sections of kidney and liver.

Keywords

• ayurveda
• histopathology
• toxicity