An exploratory analysis on the toxicity & safety profile of Polyherbal combination of curcumin, quercetin and rutin

Abstract

Abstract Background Curcumin, quercetin and rutin are flavonoids having strong antioxidant potential, individually used in treatment of numerous ailments. The safety assessment of each of them is already established but no toxicological assessment has been done that would guarantee the safe use of these three flavonoids when used as a polyherbal combination (PHC). The aim of this study to evaluate the possible toxicological effect of polyherbal combination of these three flavonoids in female Swiss albino mice. Methods In acute toxicity study, the oral dose of poly herbal combination was administered to four groups stepwise in single dose and general behaviour, adverse effects and mortality were determined up to 14 days and compared to normal group. In sub-acute study, the tested poly herbal combination was administered orally for 28 days to the four experimental groups and their body weight was measured each alternate day from the first day of dosing. On 29th day the final body weight was recorded and euthanized by using thiopentone sodium, blood was collected and later haematological, lipid profile, biochemical parameter was evaluated and compared to normal group. Result In acute toxicity study, no abnormal general behaviour, adverse effects were reported. No significant changes were reported in body weight, haematological, lipid profile, biochemical parameter in sub-acute toxicity study. No mortality was reported in both the study. Histopathological examination revealed no alterations in clinical signs or organ weight at any dose. Conclusion The result concludes that the oral administration of Polyherbal combination did not produce any significant toxic effect in swiss albino mice. Hence, the Polyherbal combination can be utilized safely for therapeutic use.

Keywords

• Curcumin
• Quercetin
• Rutin
• Acute toxicity study
• Sub-acute toxicity study