Spontaneous nonmetastatic choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and teratoma in the testes of a swiss albino mouse.

A 12-week-old Swiss Albino mouse was presented with unilateral (left) testicular enlargement of approximately 1.5 cm in diameter and the right testicle mildly reduced in size and weight. Histopathology evaluation revealed three distinct neoplasms in the left testicle: choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, and embryonal carcinoma. Teratoma was diagnosed in the right testicle. The histomorphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the tumor are presented here. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous nonmetastasizing choriocarcinoma, yolk sac carcinoma, embryonal carcinoma, and teratoma in testes of a Swiss albino mouse.

Impact of Shodhana an Ayurvedic purification process on cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of Croton tiglium Linn.

BACKGROUND: Croton tiglium Linn. (CT) which is commonly called Jaypal is used in Ayurvedic preparations like Ichhabhedi Ras, Asvakancuki Rasa. Due to its toxic contents, seeds of Croton tiglium are purified before use, by the process mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts called Shodhana meaning purification. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study is to study the impact of Ayurvedic Purification process on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Croton tiglium Linn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds were processed for Shodhana by soaking in water, heating with milk (Snehan) and later grinding in Lemon Juice (Bhavana). Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared before and after purification i.e. Shodhana. Cytotoxicity of the Croton tiglium was studied against Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line by MTT assay. Ames test was performed to study the mutagenicity of the extracts in Salmonella typhi TA 98, 100 and 102 strains. Phytoconstituents were studied by using LCMS analysis. RESULTS: The results indicated decrease in cytotoxic concentration (IC50) of Croton tiglium seeds after purificationa from 3.03 mg/mL to 0.99 mg/mL in aqueous extract and 18.56 mg/mL to 5.45 mg/mL. Genotoxicity study by Ames test indicated Croton tiglium Linn. Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds are non-genotoxic in strains like S. typhi, TA 98, 100 and 102. There was change in Phytochemical profile before and after shodhana. CONCLUSION: Although both the concentrations are practically non-toxic, the decrease in cytotoxic concentration indicates Purification process as described in classical ayurvedic texts i.e. Shodhana has definitely increased the potency of the seeds of Croton tiglium Linn.

Chronic toxicity study of Sameera Pannaga Rasa in Charle's foster albino rats.

INTRODUCTION: Sameera Pannaga Rasa (SPR) is a Kupi Pakwa Rasayana (a mercurial-arsenical formulation of Ayurveda prepared by specific pharmaceutical-controlled, indirect heat treatment [sand bath] in glass bottle) that contains Shodhita Parada (processed mercury), Shodhita Gandhaka (processed sulfur), Shodhita Haratala (processed arsenic trisulfide), Shodhita Somala (processed arsenic oxide) and Shodhita Manahshila (process arsenic disulfide) in equal quantity as ingredients. Parada, Haratala, Manahshila and Somala are highly potent minerals which are included in the Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 under Schedule E1 because of their toxic nature in crude form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, SPR was evaluated for safety profile through its chronic toxicity study in Charle's foster albino rats. The test drug was made into suspension in vehicle (4 ml honey and 7 ml distilled water). The test drug was administered orally once a day for 90 consecutive days in the dose of 11.25 (therapeutic dose [TED]), 56.25 (5 times TED) and 112.25 mg/kg (10 times TED). Animals were sacrificed on 91st day and animals of recovery group were sacrificed on 121st day. Parameters such as hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. RESULTS: Test drug at a higher dose level and recovery study showed no toxic effect in albino rats during chronic toxicity study. CONCLUSION: SPR is found to have no toxic effect in albino rats during the repeated dose, oral, chronic toxicity study of 90 days, even at 10 times therapeutic equivalent dose (112.25 mg/kg) and even during recovery period of 1 month. It may be safety used at TED level.

Tissue distribution of mercury and copper after Aarogyavardhini Vati treatment in rat model of CCl4 induced chronic hepatotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Aarogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation. It contains mercury and copper compounds as principal minerals along with other minerals and herbal ingredients. Aarogyavardhini Vati is indicated in chronic liver ailments. However, safety concerns are often raised regarding the use of mercury containing ayurvedic drugs in disease conditions due to the risk of mercury and copper toxicity. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to address the safety concerns regarding mercury and copper toxicity from Ayurvedic herbomineral formulations by investigating accumulation of these minerals in tissues and subsequent toxicity in chronic hepatotoxicity rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantification of mercury and copper in Aarogyavardhini Vati was done. Chronic hepatotoxicity was induced in the Wistar rats by repeated administration of CCl4 for 8 weeks. Animals were treated with Aarogyavardhini Vati for various durations. Post treatment of 8 weeks, serum biochemical marker estimations was done. Estimation of mercury and copper from the liver, kidney and brain tissues was done after animal sacrifice. Histopathology evaluation of visceral organs was also performed. RESULTS: Treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati exhibited significant accumulation of mercury in the kidney but not in the brain and liver. Similarly, no significant accumulation of copper was observed in liver, kidney, and brain due to the treatment of Aarogyavardhini Vati. Serum biochemical and histopathological changes were not affected by the treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati. CONCLUSION: Aarogyavardhini Vati did not show any biologically significant potential to cause toxicity due to its mercury and copper content when administered for prolonged duration to rats with chronic hepatotoxicity.

Review of Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC.: Pharmacognostic, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Perspective.

Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) Wall. ex A. DC. is a medicinal plant abundantly found in India. Its uses are mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic literature and by many folklore claims. The plant is also of extreme economic importance. Its seeds are mainly used as an antidiabetic remedy. All pharmacological and toxicological aspects of this plant are discussed in this review.

Ninety days repeated dose oral toxicity study of Makaradhwaja in Wistar rats.

CONTEXT: Makaradhwaja is a KupipakwaRasayana. Since it contains two heavy metals, namely mercury and gold, it is essential to evaluate its safety. Hence, the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate toxicity and target organ of toxicity of Makaradhwaja if so. AIMS: The objective was to evaluate toxicological profile, the target organ of toxicity and to find no observed effect level (NOEL) or no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats after oral administration for ninety consecutive days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Makaradhawaja preparation was administered to male and female Wistar rats for ninety consecutive days at 2.7, 13.5, and 27 mg/kg body weight. All relevant biochemical and hematological changes were observed. At termination, all the rats were sacrificed and necropsy was performed. Histopathological evaluation was also performed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Dunnett's test followed by analysis of variance. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in high-dose group kidney weight of both sexes which could not be correlated with histopathology findings and serum biochemistry. Therefore, the change was not considered as an adverse effect. CONCLUSIONS: The dose level 27 mg/kg of Makaradhwaja was found as NOAEL and dose level 13.5 mg/kg of Makaradhwaja was found as NOEL.

Experimental and histopathological observation scoring methods for evaluation of wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita.

INTRODUCTION: Jatyadi ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in the treatment of various types of ulcers. AIM: The study was designed to explore the wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita in diabetes - induced rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, diabetes mellitus was induced to 6 to 8-week-old male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin cut 65 mg/kg body weight intravenously by 15 min prior to the administration of Nicotinamide at 230 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Animals having diabetes were used for grouping namely, diabetic control (DC), Ghrita control (GC), positive control (PC), i.e., mupirocin HCl, Jatyadi Ghrita treatment and one group of non-DC. Full-thickness excision wound was created and diameter was recorded. Daily clinical observations were recorded. A wound scoring method was developed. Wound diameter and score were recorded on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15. Photographs were taken at the same time interval points. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly. Animals were sacrificed at regular intervals to collect the wound area tissue for histopathology analysis. Obtained data was analyzed statistically. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: It was observed that there was no significant difference in diameter and percent change in wound healing as compared to any control. However, clinical score and histopathological changes in Jatyadi Ghrita group were improved from the second day of the study as compared to control. CONCLUSION: This indicates that the drug has similar wound healing activity as compared to the modern drug mupirocin HCl.

Fenugreek seed extract inhibit fat accumulation and ameliorates dyslipidemia in high fat diet-induced obese rats.

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds (AqE-TFG) on fat accumulation and dyslipidemia in high fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese rats. Female Wistar rats were fed with HFD ad libitum, and the rats on HFD were treated orally with AqE-TFG or orlistat ((HFD for 28 days+AqE-TFG (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) or orlistat (10 mg/kg) from day 8 to 28), respectively. Treatment with AqE-TFG produced significant reduction in body weight gain, body mass index (BMI), white adipose tissue (WAT) weights, blood glucose, serum insulin, lipids, leptin, lipase, and apolipoprotein-B levels and elevation in adiponectin levels. AqE-TFG improved serum aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. AqE-TFG treatment reduced the hepatic and cardiac thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and elevated the antioxidant enzyme (glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)) levels. In addition, liver and uterine WAT lipogenic enzyme (fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)) activities were restored towards normal levels. These findings demonstrated the preventive effect of AqE-TFG on fat accumulation and dyslipidemia, due to inhibition of impaired lipid digestion and absorption, in addition to improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism, enhancement of insulin sensitivity, increased antioxidant defense, and downregulation of lipogenic enzymes.

Repeated dose oral toxicity of Trivanga Bhasma in Swiss albino mice.

Trivanga Bhasma, a metallic preparation containing Bhasmas of Naga (lead), Vanga (tin) and Yashada (zinc), was studied for repeated dose toxicity in Swiss albino mice to estimate No Observed Effect Level (NOEL) or No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). A total of 80 Swiss albino mice of either sex with an average body weight of 28-30 g were equally divided into four groups (Group I, II, III, and IV). Group I served as control and was given vehicle (honey: water in 2:3 ratio) Group II, III, and IV received Trivanga Bhasma @ 7.8, 39.5,and 78 mg/kg body weight for 90 consecutive days. The effect of drug was assessed on body weight, feed and water consumption changes, hematological, and histopathological parameters. At the end of the study, all animals were sacrificed and examined for gross pathological changes. Histopathological evaluation was performed for control and high dose group. Trivanga Bhasma was found to be safe. No significant clinical signs were noted in all groups studied. No major alterations were observed during histopathological evaluation. Hence, dose rate of 78 mg/kg body weight was established as NOAEL. It is suggested to carry out a toxicity study at possible higher doses and in a different species so as to establish target organ of toxicity.