Studies on acute toxicity of heptoplus in experimental rats

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate acute toxicity of Heptoplus (polyherbal drug) in Sprague-Dawley rats and to identify the active ingredients of the herbal drug. Methods: Heptoplus was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and the HPTLC fingerprint profile of herbal drug was documented. OECD guideline 423-Acute toxic class method was followed to evaluate the oral toxicity of Heptoplus in Sprague-Dawley rats. In acute toxicity studies, Group I (control) rats received 0.5% of carboxymethyl cellouse (Vehicle). Group II rats received 2000 mg/kg b. w of Heptoplus. The rats were observed on the day of dosing and thereafter for 14 d, for any toxic effect. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis of Heptoplus revealed total phenol, flavonoid, carbohydrate, and tannins as its major constituents. The total phenol and flavonoid content of Heptoplus was found to be 170 μg of gallic acid and 162 μg of quercetin equivalent. HPTLC analysis proved that phyllanthin is an active compound of Heptoplus. Acute oral toxicity assays showed Heptoplus administration did not result in any treatment-related mortality, abnormal clinical signs, and loss of body weight or gross pathological changes in rats. Hence, LD50 value of Heptoplus was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg b. wt. Conclusion: Heptoplus contain phyllanthin as an active ingredient. LD50value of Heptoplus was found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg b. wt.