Pharmacological and toxicological insights into the ayurvedic formulation Rasasindura

The current study explores the safety of Rasasindura (RS), an Ayurvedic herbo-metallic preparation containing mercury, and its therapeutic potential against oligospermia. Based on global concerns due to the toxicity of mercury, this study was designed to evaluate the toxicology and pharmacology of RS. Wistar rats were administered therapeutic and high doses of RS intragastrically for the in vivo toxicology study. The toxicity tests showed no significant changes in the major functions of organs, hematological and biochemical functions except mild hyperactivity in a few animals in the high dose group. The study's histopathological and biochemical analyses revealed no significant morphological or functional abnormalities in the brain, liver, kidneys, or testes of rats administered with high doses of RS, indicating normal neuronal and organ function. Additionally, biochemical and hematological evaluations showed no adverse effects, suggesting RS does not impair metabolic activities at the tested doses. A therapeutic study was carried out in oligospermia-induced Swiss Albino mice. RS caused a significant increase in sperm motility and count and reduced sperm abnormalities in mice treated with lead acetate-induced oligospermia. The elevated levels of the genes Catsper and Calpain revealed that the formulation activates the calcium channels which contribute to an increase in sperm count. Further, microarray studies revealed potential anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory activities of RS. However, RS treatment also resulted in gene expression linked to possible toxic effects. Purified mercury-containing Ayurvedic preparations are safe at therapeutic concentrations if administered using a suitable vehicle; this is of great significance in reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy, though higher concentrations could cause toxic effects mainly neurological, and hence the use of such potent metal-based medications are advised to be prescribed under medical supervision. To conclude, Rasasindura appears to be non-toxic at therapeutic doses and has shown promise the in treatment of oligospermia. Further studies could explore additional therapeutic effects and associated mechanisms for other disorders.