Evaluation of an Ayurvedic preparation-‘Ekangaveera Rasa’ for possible metal toxicity: Behavioral, biochemical and histopathological analysis

Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal system, is highly regarded as complementary and alternative medicine in recent years. However, there are reports to show the toxic effects of specific Ayurvedic preparations, which use metals as an ingredient in them. One such medicine is ‘Ekangaveera Rasa' This herbo-minero-metallic preparation is used to treat the pain of neurological origin. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the possible alteration caused by Ekangaveera Rasa on the brain, liver, and kidneys by histological, biochemical, and behavioral analysis. For this evaluation, Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group 1-normal control; group 2, 3 and 4 were treated with Ekangaveera Rasa at doses of 120, 240 and 600 mg/kg bodyweight for 30 days. Behavioral parameters were assessed on the 15^th and 30^th day by using the passive avoidance test. At the end of the treatment period, blood was collected and subjected to the basophilic stripling and biochemical analysis. Tissues were processed for histopathological evaluation. The histopathological, biochemical, and behavioral analysis did not show any harmful effect, thereby rendering Ekangaveera Rasa nontoxic and further glorifying the healing benefits of Ayurveda.