A comparative acute toxicity evaluation of raw and classically processed rhizomes of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vacha</i> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Acorus calamus</i> Linn.)

Abstract

The rhizomes of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vacha</i> (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Acorus calamus</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic"> Linn.) have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India has advocated <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Shodhana </i>(Purification) procedure to be done prior to its use. Hence in the present study comparative oral acute toxicity of raw and classically processed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Vacha</i> rhizome was undertaken to provide safety profile on acute administration. The rhizomes were collected from wild source and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Shodhana </i>procedure was done as mentioned in the Ayurvedic texts. Acute toxicity test was evaluated as per OECD 425 guidelines with 2000mg/kg as limit test. Test drugs were administered orally to overnight fasted female rats and detailed behavioural profiles were recorded throughout the study. Change in body weight, haematological and biochemical parameters were carried out on 14^th day. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">At 2000 mg/kg dose both raw and classically processed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Vacha</i> did not produce any observable toxic effects and all animals survived 14 days of observation.

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