Acute and subacute oral toxicity evaluation of Ayurvedic formulation <i>Tapyadi loha</i> in rats

Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of traditional medicine that provides treatments for a wide range of acute and chronic health problems. It is a common myth amongst people that Ayurvedic drugs have no side effects, whereas the fact is that these drugs can cause adverse effects. Despite their wide use, the safety data of many Ayurvedic formulations are still unavailable. <i>Tapyadi loha</i> is an Ayurvedic formulation traditionally claimed for iron deficiency anemia in pregnant and non-pregnant patients. However, no scientific study has been conducted to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and subacute oral toxicity of the <i>Tapyadi loha</i> according to the OECD test guidelines 425 and 407, respectively. <i>Tapyadi loha</i> did not cause mortality nor any signs of toxicity when given once orally at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. Subacute toxicity study showed no mortality as well as no behavioral, hematological, biochemical and histopathological abnormalities in rats treated with <i>Tapyadi loha</i> formulation at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 28 days. It is concluded that the <i>Tapyadi loha</i> is safe at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg and 28 days repeated dose of 1000 mg/kg by oral route in rats.