Safety evaluation of a standardized phytochemical composition extracted from Bacopa monnieri in Sprague--Dawley rats

BacoMind is an enriched phytochemical composition derived from Bacopa monnieri, a common medicinal plant having multiple uses in the traditional system of medicine and particularly used as a memory enhancing agent for centuries. The plant and its extracts have been evaluated for anti-inflammatory, cardio tonic, sedative and neuro-muscular blocking activities. In view of the extensive use of this plant, BacoMind , standardized to bioactive compounds was evaluated in a series of toxicity studies, to confirm the safety of its usage. BacoMind , on single oral administration had a median lethal dose of 2,400 mg/kg in Sprague-Dawley rats. In a 14 day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats, except for mild lowering in body weight gain in male rats, it was found to be tolerated well up to the dose of 500 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study for 90 days in rats at the dose levels of 85, 210 and 500 mg/kg did not reveal any evidence of toxicity with respect to clinical signs, neurological examination, food consumption, body weight gain, haematological and blood biochemistry parameters. The absolute and relative organ weight of vital organs did not differ significantly from that of the control. Necropsy and histopathological examination, did not reveal any remarkable and treatment related changes. A no-observed adverse effect level of 500 mg/kg body weight was established in rats.