Effect of a mercurial drug of <em>Siddha</em> medicine on hematological, biochemical and antioxidant status in rats

Abstract

Metallic drugs are used in traditional medicines to treat several chronic diseases. But apprehensions are raised on their toxicity and adverse effects on vital organs of the body. Traditional practitioners claim that if these drugs are prepared as per ancient texts and used rationally, they do not cause deleterious effects but can be effective in treating diseases. A mercurial drug of <i>Siddha</i> medicine, <i>Gowri Chinthamani Chendooram</i> (GCC) has been screened for its effect on blood and tissues of rats. Three doses of GCC (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) were administered for 28 consecutive days and observed for various changes. On day 29, the animals were sacrificed and the blood was studied for hematology, biochemistry, lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione while the tissues were observed for histopathological alterations, if any. No changes in anatomical and behavioral profiles as well as body and organ weights were seen. Dose-dependent increase in hematology and insignificant change in total protein besides dose-dependent decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, LDL and increase in HDL level were observed. Mercury content in the serum and tissues of liver and kidney revealed a mild increase (in microgram level) while LPO in plasma and erythrocytes exhibited a significant decrease. GSH in plasma and erythrocytes were found to increase when compared to control animals. No histopathological changes were noticed. The drug showed significant hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities supporting the claim of traditional medical practitioners.