• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.86-93
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential toxicity of a recently developed and clinically used No-Pain pharmacopuncture (NPP) solution. We also assessed the lethal dose of the NPP agent following a single intramuscular injection in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Animals were divided into two groups: the NPP test material group and the normal saline control group. A single intramuscular injection of the NPP agent (1.0 mL/animal) was administered to rats of the NPP test material group. The control group rats received the same volume of normal saline. Both female and male rats were included in each group. All rats were monitored for clinical signs and body weight changes for 14 days after administration of the test substance or saline. At the end of the observation period, a gross necropsy was conducted and localized tolerance at the injection site was analyzed. Results: No mortality was observed in the NPP test material and control groups. Moreover, no test substance-related effects were observed on clinical signs, body weight, necropsy findings, and localized tolerance at the injection site. Conclusion: The approximate lethal dose of the NPP agent is greater than 1.0 mL/animal under the conditions used in this study. Additional toxicity evaluations and clinical studies are needed to confirm the safety of NPP use in clinical practice.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.7-27
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• 2003

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate acute and subacute toxicity and sarcoma-180 anti-cancer effects of herbal acupuncture with cultivated wild ginseng (distilled) in mice and rats. Method : Balb/c mice were injected intravenous with cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture for $LD_{50}$ and acute toxicity test. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenous with cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture for subacute toxicity test. The cultivated wild ginseng herbal-acupuncture was injected at the tail vein of mice. Results : 1. In acute $LD_{50}$ toxicity test, there was no mortality thus unable to attain the value. 2. Examining the toxic response in the acute toxicity test, there was no sign of toxication. 3. In acute toxic test, running biochemical serum test couldn't yield any differences between the control and experiment groups. 4. In subacute toxicity test, there was no sign of toxication in the experimental groups and didn't show any changes in weight compared to the normal group. 5. In subacute toxicity test, biochemical serum test showed significant increase of Total albumin, Albumin, and Glucose in the experimental group I compared with the control group. Significant decrease of GOT, ALP, GPT, and Triglyceride were shown. In experiment group II, only Glucose showed significant increase compared with the control group. 6. Measuring survival rate for anti-cancer effects of Sarcoma-180 cancer cell line, all the experimental groups showed significant increase in survival rate. 7. Measuring NK cell activity rate, no significant difference was shown throughout the groups. 8. Measuring Interleukin-2 productivity rate, all the experimental groups didn't show significant difference. 9. For manifestation of cytokine mRNA, significant decrease of interleukin-10 was witnessed in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion : According to the results, we can conclude cultivated wild ginseng herbal acupuncture caused negligible toxicity, and had anti-tumor effects in mice.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.125-130
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• 1981

Thirty species of Korean medicinal plants which have been frequently used in Oriental herb prescriptions were evaluated on their acute toxicity and potential antitumor activities against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia. The criteria for toxicity evaluation of measuring weight loss, toxicity day survivors and computing log cell kill indicated that 11 species possessed acute toxicity according to the doses administered. No significant antitumor activities were observed while the root of Angelica gigas Nakai (Umbelliferae) exhibited only 24% increased life span.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.192-200
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• 2010

Objectives: We have investigated the toxic effects of the inhalation of subchronic and acute levels of n-octane. Methods: The rats were exposed to n-octane of 0, 2.34, 11.68 and 23.36 mg/L (n = 5 rats/group/gender) in an acute inhalation test (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) TG 403), or to 0, 0.93, 2.62 and 7.48 mg/L (n = 10 rats/group/gender) for a subchronic inhalation test (OECE TG 413), to establish a national chemical management system consistent with the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS). Results: Acutely-exposed rats became lethargic but recovered following discontinuation of inhalation. Other clinical symptoms such as change of body weight and autopsy finds were absent. The LC50 for the acute inhalation toxicity of n-octane was determined to exceed 23.36 mg/L and the GHS category was 'not grouping'. Subchronically-treated rats displayed no significant clinical and histopathological differences from untreated controls; also, target organs were affected hematologically, biochemically and pathologically. Therefore, the no observable adverse effect level was indicated as exceeding 7.48 mg/L and the GHS category was 'not grouping' for the specific target organ toxicity upon repeated exposure. Conclusion: However, n-octane exposure should be controlled to be below the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists recommendation (300 ppm) to prevent inhalation-related adverse health effects of workers.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.127-138
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• 2019

Objectives : This study was carried out in order to toxicity and safety of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture in BALB/c mice. Methods : In order to investigate toxicity and safety of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture, BALB/c mice were chosen in these studies and injected to ST36. In 50% Lethal Dose (LD 50) study, mice were divided into 8 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture at 300, 600, 1,200, 2,400, 3,600, 4,800, 6,000, 7,200 mg/kg were given to the each group. we observed mortality and toxic signs for 7 days after injection. In single-dose toxicity, mice were divided into 4 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture, 300, 600, 1,200 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental group. And a dose of normal saline, 0.2 ml was administered to the control group. We observed mortality and toxic signs for 14 days after injection. In repeated-dose toxicity for 4 weeks, mice were divided in 4 groups. Doses of pharmacopuncture, 150, 300, 600 mg/kg, were administered to the experimental group. And a dose of normal saline, 0.2 ml, was administered to the control group. We observed mortality, toxic signs, body weight, hematological values et al. Results : The LD 50 of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture was 4,800 mg/kg. In single-dose toxicity, no deaths, no toxic signs occurred in any of groups. In repeated-dose toxicity for 4 weeks, no deaths, no toxic signs occurred in any of groups. Conclusions : No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of Drosera Rotundifolia L. pharmacopuncture injection for 4 weeks was more than 600 mg/kg.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.756-762
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• 1994

To investigate the acute toxicity of Elfvingia applanata$(P_{ers})K_{ARST}$, it was extracted with hot water. EA, the aqueous extract from the carpophores of E. applanata, was lyophilized and a dark brownish powder was obtained. The acute toxicity of EA was investigated in ICR mice of both sexes. Five groups of mice were administered orally and intraperitoneally with 375, 750, 1,500, 3,000, 6,000 mg/kg(p.o.) and 312.5, 625, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000 mg/kg (i.p.) of EA Abnormal clinical signs related to EA were not observed and no deaths occurred. $LD_{50}$ values administered orally and intraperitoneally were evaluated to be over 6,000 mg/kg and over 5,000 mg/kg, respectively. Gross finding of necropsy revealed no evidence of specific toxicity related to EA. There were no significant changes in body weights, serum biochemical values and histopathological changes compared with control group.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.111-118
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• 2013

Objectives : Traditional medicine Oryeong-san (ORS) has been prescribed for a long time to treat light fever, thirst, dysuria, and accompanying edema. However, the acute toxicity and safety were not reported. In this study, we evaluated the potent acute toxicity and safety of ORS. Methods : ICR mice were used to evaluate acute toxicity and safety by oral administration of 0, 500, 1,000, 2,000mg/kg of ORS. Mortality, body weight, and clinical symptoms were observed, and organ weight and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed after necropsy. Results : We found no mortality and no toxic or abnormal clinical symptoms by administration of ORS. Comparing with control group, no significant alterations in organ weight and blood biochemical parameters were observed. Conclusions : ORS recognized as safe and non-toxic medicinal material, and median lethal dose considered to be over 2,000 mg/kg in both male and female ICR mice.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.285-292
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• 2002

The repeated toxicity of Gleditschia-saponin produced and provided by S.S. Bio-Tech Bench Co. was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Gleditschia-saponin was administered to rats by oral route at dose levels of high (180 mg/kg/day), medium (90 mg/kg/day) and low (45 mg/kg/day) once a day for 14 days. Saline was administered to another group of rats as control. Each group was consisted of 5 male and female rats. There were no dose-related changes in clinical findings, food and water consumption, organ weights, urine analysis, biochemical examination and hematological findings in all groups of animals treated with Gleditschia.- saponin, except body weights. Body weighs in male and female rats were increased significantly (p < 0.05) from day 4 to 14 in low, middle and high dose groups than control group. Body weight in high dose group was increased higher than control or low, middle dose groups on day 14. Gross and histopathological findings revealed no evidence of specific toxicity to Gleditschia.-saponin. Therefore, it was concluded that Gleditschia-saponin had no toxic or side effects in Sprague-Dawley rats in an repeated oral toxicity tests.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.181-190
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• 2019

Lentinus squarrosulus (Mont.) is an edible wild mushroom with tough fruiting body that belongs to the family Polyporaceae. It is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of ulcer, anaemia, cough and fever. Recent studies have demonstrated its anticancer, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. However, little or no information is available regarding the bioactive components and toxicological study of wild dried L. squarrosulus. Therefore, this study investigated the bioactive components of aqueous extract of boiled wild dried L. squarrosulus and its toxicological effects in rats. The extract of L. squarrosulus was subjected to GC-MS analysis. The acute toxicity test was performed by oral administration of a single dose of up to 5,000 mg/kg extract of L. squarrosulus. In subacute study, the rats were orally administered extract of L. squarrosulus at the doses of 500, 1,000 and 1,500 mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days. The haematological, lipid profile, liver and kidney function parameters were determined and the histopathology of the liver and kidney were examined. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds; 1-tetradecene, fumaric acid, monochloride, 6-ethyloct-3-yl ester, 9-eicosene, phytol, octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine and 3-trifluoroacetoxypentadecane. In acute toxicity study, neither death nor toxicity sign was recorded. In the sub-acute toxicity study, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed on creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Whilst no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed on packed cell volume, heamoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and alkaline phosphatase, in all the tested doses. No histopathological alterations were recorded. Our findings revealed that aqueous extract of L. squarrosulus may have antimicrobial, antinocieptive and antioxidant properties based on the result of GC-MS analysis. Results of the toxicity test showed no deleterious effect at the tested doses, suggesting that L. squarrosulus is safe for consumption at the tested doses.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.18-26
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• 2014

Objectives: This study was performed to check for reversibility in the changes induced by a 13-week, repeated, dose toxicity test of Sweet Bee Venom (SBV) in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Methods: Fifteen male and 15 female SD rats were treated with 0.28 mg/kg of SBV (high-dosage group) and the same numbers of male and female SD rats were treated with 0.2 mL/kg of normal saline (control group) for 13 weeks. We selected five male and five female SD rats from the high-dosage group and the same numbers of male and female SD rats from the control group, and we observed these rats for four weeks. We conducted body-weight measurements, ophthalmic examinations, urinalyses and hematology, biochemistry, histology tests. Results: (1) Hyperemia and movement disorder were observed in the 13-week, repeated, dose toxicity test, but these symptoms were not observed during the recovery period. (2) The rats in the high-dose group showed no significant changes in weight compared to the control group. (3) No significant differences in the ophthalmic parameters, urine analyses, complete blood cell counts (CBCs), and biochemistry were observed among the recovery groups. (4) No changes in organ weights were observed during the recovery period. (5) Histological examination of the thigh muscle indicated cell infiltration, inflammation, degeneration, necrosis of muscle fiber, and fibrosis during the treatment period, but these changes were not observed during the recovery period. The fatty liver change that was observed during the toxicity test was not observed during the recovery period. No other organ abnormalities were observed. Conclusion: The changes that occurred during the 13-week, repeated, dose toxicity test are reversible, and SBV can be safely used as a treatment modality.