Safety Evaluation of Standardized Extract of Curcuma longa (NR-INF-02): A 90-Day Subchronic Oral Toxicity Study in Rats

NR-INF-02 is a standardized extract containing turmerosaccharides from Curcuma longa that has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and chondroprotective potential. In view of its potential uses, NR-INF-02 was evaluated for its safety in Wistar rats at an oral dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg in a 90-day repeated dose subchronic toxicity study. NR-INF-02 administered at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 90 days did not show any mortality or clinical signs of toxicity. Body weight gain, food consumption, ocular and neurological examination, and hematological, blood biochemical, hormone, and urine analysis revealed no evidence of toxicity of NR-INF-02 treatment in rats. Absolute and relative organ weights were comparable to control rats. The study did not reveal any major treatment related gross pathological and histopathological alterations in the tissues or organs examined. Thus, based on study observations, the no-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 1000 mg/kg body weight in albino Wistar rats.