Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies using Shemamruthaa, a modified indigenous Siddha preparation, in Sprague-Dawley rats

Shemamruthaa (SM), an indigenous herbal formulation (Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers, Phyllanthus emblica, and pure honey) in a definite ratio was analyzed using acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in Sprague-Dawley rats. The acute toxicity study for 72 h showed no adverse effects in behavior or mortality at a dosage of 75-2,000 mg/kg of BW. The sub-acute toxicity study at 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg of BW for 30 days showed transient rises in the white blood cell count, and levels of hemoglobin, free fatty acids, high density lipoproteins, and cholesterol, and a significant decrease in the blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipid, and LDL levels. Other parameters remained unchanged. Changes observed were significant only at the highest dosage of 500 mg/kg BW. These results proved that the drug SM is safe and not toxic.