An experimental study to evaluate the concept of Trividha Atisevana Varjya Dravya w.s.r. to Lavana

Abstract

Background: Lavana is used as medicine as well as Ahara since ancient times. In Caraka Samhita it has been mentioned that three Dravyas viz. Pippali, Kshara (alkali) and Lavana (salt) can be used as emergency medicine, but they should not be consumed in excess (Ati Upayunjita). Hence in the present study Lavana has been evaluated in experimental animals in two different phases’ viz. Acute administration at graded doses as part of acute toxicity study and Sub-Acute administration at fixed dose level, as part of toxic Sub-Acute toxicity study, to assess the possible adverse effects. Materials & Methods: Wistar strain albino rats of either sex weighing between 150 - 200g. body weights were used, The experiment was carried out in accordance with the direction of the Institutional animal ethics committee (IAEC) after obtaining its permission (Approval number IAEC – 138/k/2018). Results: Results were drawn based on histopathological reports and biochemical reports of each group of toxicity study. Acute toxicity study has been carried out in albino rats receiving the 2 dose level maximum at up to 10 times higher (855mg/kg) then the therapeutic equivalent dose (427.5mg/kg). In Sub-Chronic toxicity: dose given was five times higher than therapeutic equivalent dose and ten times the equivalent to human therapeutic dose for duration of 30 days. Discussion: Toxicity is not found in Acute study and in Sub-Acute study moderate to high toxicity is found.