Evaluation of safety profile of homoeopathic mother tinctures

Background: Mother tinctures are commonly prescribed in day to day practice as therapeutic agents by homoeopathic practitioners. However, being the base preparation of medicines, safety of mother tinctures still remains a challenge because of the high variability of chemical components involved.The present study investigated the acute and sub-acute oral toxicity of different homoeopathic mother tinctures (Bellis perennis, Curcuma longa, Rauwolfia serpentina, Ricinnus communis, Tribulus terrestris and Terminalia arjuna) in experimental models.Methods: Toxicity studies were conducted to assess the level to which substances are toxic for humans and animals. In acute oral toxicity study, different homoeopathic mother tinctures were administered orally (a single dose of 4 ml/kg)and animals were observed for toxic symptoms till 14 days as per OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) - 423 guidelines. For sub-acute toxicity study, 28 day oral toxicity of mother tinctures (4 ml/kg daily) was carried out according to the OECD guidelines for testing of chemicals - 407. At the end of 28 days, the animals were sacrificed and toxicity was assessed on parameters such as blood, biochemistry and histopathology. Results: Results indicate that there were no toxic symptoms observed in tested animals. Results of sub-acute toxicity study did not show any change in body weight, haematological and biochemical parameters as compared to control. The histopathological examination of kidney and liver also did not reveal any organ toxicities