Toxicokinetics and tissue distribution studies of mercury in ayurvedic preparation - Shila Sindhur

Plan: Shila sindur, an ayurvedic preparation containing mercury as chief ingredient was investigated for toxicokinetics and tissue distribution studies in laboratory animals. Methodology: Shila Sindur at three doses i.e., 50 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg was studied. Single and repeated dose administration was used for toxicokinetics and tissue distribution studies, respectively and evaluated by using toxicokinetic and tissue distribution parameters. Outcome: Toxicokinetics studies revealed low plasma clearance with high half life, this correlates with higher affinity of mercury to plasma proteins. Higher doses showed wide distribution by increased area under curve and volume of distribution. A dose dependent elevation in mercury concentrations and organ damage was found in kidneys followed by liver, lungs, spleen and brain. At higher doses, shila sindur found toxic, at moderate doses stringent monitoring was recommended for use. Present study concludes that low dose Shila sindur was found safe in terms of toxicological and tissue distribution patterns.