Genotoxicity Testing of Lipovedic-A Polyherbal Anti-hypercholesterolemic Drug

Present study was taken up to evaluate genotoxicity of Lipovedic-a polyherbal formulation, by mouse bone marrow micronucleus test (MNT) and chromosomal aberration test (CAT). Since Lipovedic is a drug intended for lifelong use in treatment of hypercholesterolemia it is necessary to evaluate genotoxicity of the drug. Cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg, i.p) was used as a genotoxic challenge and bone marrow of control and Lipovedic (260mg/kg p.o.× 7 days) treated mice was collected after 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, after clastogenic challenge. In MNT, the bone marrow smears were stained with May-Grunwald's followed by Giemsa stain. Polychromatic and Normochromatic erythrocytes were counted and P/N ratio was calculated. Number of micro nucleated PCE and NCE were counted per 2000 erythrocytes. In CAT, Colchicine, 4mg/kg, i.p, was administered 90 min before sacrifice. Bone marrow was collected and smears were prepared, stained with Giemsa stain and observed under 100X for different types of chromosomal aberrations (rings, exchanges, breaks and minutes). Mitotic index was calculated. Lipovedic did not show any mutagenicity, but there was no antimutagenic effect against cyclophosphamide induced clastogenicity. Similarly, chromosomal aberration assay did not reveal any significant alterations. In conclusion, Lipovedic is does not provide protection against mutagenicity, but it is free of genotoxicity. Hence Lipovedic can be used for a long time without any alterations in the genetic apparatus.