Results of studies on the toxicity of Qinnadgunsel, which has been used in traditional medicine for liver disease

Abstract

Background: Qinnadgunsel is a mixture of medicine which has long been used in traditional medicine to support the absorption of digestive tract and liver healing. Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate possible toxic effects of Qinnadgunsel recipe in experimental animal by assessing hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: The research was performed by experimental design in the laboratory of pharmacology at the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology of Mongolia (ITMTM). We used 10% of Qinnadgunsel (№M13060377). In an acute toxicity study, a relatively healthy 25-30 gram-weight, 24 white mice were obtained. The acute toxicity was determined by the rapid method of V.B.Prozorovsky (1978) and the classification of K.K Sidorov (1973). In chronic toxicity study, a healthy 130-180 gram-weight, total numbers of 32 Wistar rats were obtained and administered orally Qinnadgunsel with 172 mg/kg, 258 mg/kg, and 516 mg/kg, respectively. After 2 months, biochemical and histopathological analyses have done. Results: In acute toxicity, a high dose of animal showed increased heart rate, respiration, decreased mobility, and increased urine output. LD50=19.9 (11-15) g/kg was determined, which means no acute toxicity. The active dose is ED=258 (172-516) mg/kg, according to I.P.Zapadnyuk (1983). In chronic toxicity, there was no statistically significant difference in the control groups compared to the three experimental groups (p> 0.05). Prolonged use of Qinnadgunsel did not reveal significant changes in the quantity or quality of blood elements compared to control groups. The level of ASAT decreased in the group administered Qinnadgunsel at 172, 258 mg/kg (p=0.001). Alkaline phosphatase levels were increased in the group at a dose of 516 mg/kg (p=0.5). Amylase levels increased in the group at 172, 258 mg/kg, and decreased in the group receiving Qinnadgunsel at 516 mg/kg (p=0.001). There were no significant changes in histopathological analysis in the vital organs, including heart, lung, kidney, spleen, and liver. Conclusions: We concluded that Qinnadgunsel is harmless and has no chronic toxicity on long-term use, not causing histological changes of clinical character in the vital organs. Further study needs to determine its biologically active compounds.