Tissue distribution of mercury and copper after Aarogyavardhini Vati treatment in rat model of CCl(4) 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 CCl(4) 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.