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Pharmacological and safety evaluation of fibrous root of Rhizoma Coptidis
Na Ning1, Yan Zhi Wang2, Zong Yao Zou2
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Department of Pharmacy, Tongren Polytechnic College, Tongren 554300, Guizhou, China.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigated the pharmacological activities and safety of fibrous root of Rhizoma Coptidis (FRC). FRC not only protected Kunming mice from the minimal lethal dose of Escherichia coli, but also protected rabbits from hyperpyrexia induced by lipopolysaccharid (LPS). The acute toxicity study showed that oral medial lethal dose (LD50) of FRC was greater than 7000mg/kg body weight in Kunming mice. The sub-chronic toxicity study showed that the no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) of FRC was 1.88g/kg body weight in Sprague-Dawley rats, whereas FRC at higher dose (3.76g/kg body weight) resulted in damage to liver and lung. Negative results were present in Ames test, mouse micronucleus test and mouse sperm abnormality test. These finding support the use of FRC in veterinary medicine.
Insights
Fibrous root of Rhizoma Coptidis (FRC) demonstrates protective effects against Escherichia coli and lipopolysaccharide-induced hyperpyrexia. Safety studies indicate a high lethal dose, supporting its use in veterinary medicine.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Rhizoma Coptidis is traditionally used in herbal medicine.
- The fibrous root of Rhizoma Coptidis (FRC) requires scientific validation for its therapeutic claims.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacological activities of FRC.
- To evaluate the safety profile of FRC through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.
- To assess the genotoxicity of FRC.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacological activity was assessed using Escherichia coli challenge in mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hyperpyrexia in rabbits.
- Acute oral toxicity was determined by calculating the median lethal dose (LD50) in mice.
- Sub-chronic toxicity and genotoxicity were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats and mice using Ames test, micronucleus test, and sperm abnormality test.
Main Results:
- FRC exhibited protective effects against Escherichia coli infection and LPS-induced fever.
- The oral LD50 of FRC in mice was greater than 7000mg/kg.
- The no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) in rats was 1.88g/kg, with liver and lung damage observed at 3.76g/kg. Genotoxicity tests were negative.
Conclusions:
- FRC possesses significant pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial and antipyretic properties.
- FRC demonstrates a favorable safety profile at relevant doses, with a high LD50 and NOAEL.
- The absence of genotoxicity supports the safety of FRC for therapeutic applications in veterinary medicine.
