*Corresponding Author:vaibhu.07@gmail.com 235 DOI: https://doi.org/10.52756/ijerr.2023.v32.020 Int. J. Exp. Res. Rev., Vol. 32: 235-245(2023) Safety evaluation of a polyherbal formulation: Acute and sub-acute toxicity study using Wistar Albino rats Vaibhav Tripathi 1* , Chandra Kishore Tyagi 1 and Wasim Raja 2 1 Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Sri Satya Sai University of Technology and Medical Sciences, Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, India; 2 Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India E-mail/Orcid Id: VT, vaibhu.07@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9029-2187;CKT, kishore198012@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3406-8697; WR, drwasimraja84@gmail.com, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6136-1051 Introduction Compared to basic plant materials and extracts, herbal formulations have become popular because of their lower dose, greater convenience, and simpler administration (Ganesan et al., 2021). These preparations are widely used as therapeutic medicines for various conditions that negatively affect patients' quality of life. Traditional medicines are extensively used in underdeveloped countries because of their low cost, widespread availability, and widespread acceptance of the idea that they are safe (Okaiyeto et al., 2021; Ozioma, 2019). Many synthetic medications are thought to relieve symptoms by acting on a specific molecular target. Chronic illnesses like musculoskeletal disorders and soon have been shown to benefit from multi-target responses of herbal medications, which are also effective at restoring health (Jahromi et al., 2021; Kunnumakkara et al., 2022). The safety of the active phytochemicals from these plants must be established before they can be employed in the pharmaceutical industry, even though many natural plant extracts traditionally have stood the test of time regarding toxicity and bad effects. Although the efficacy of herbal formulations has been demonstrated in pharmacological research or clinical evaluation, it is necessary to ensure their safety to obtain their maximal advantages (Mensah et al., 2019). Toxicological investigations (acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic) are important because they will ensure sure safe use of phytochemicals and potentially prevent the onset of any unwanted consequences Article History: Received: 09 th Jul., 2023 Accepted: 17 th Aug., 2023 Published: 30 th Aug., 2023 Abstract: Vatrog Nashak Churna (VNC) is a traditional polyherbal formulation for musculoskeletal diseases. Although the safety and mechanism of toxicity of the individual herbs have been explored, the formulation remains undocumented in the literature. Research into its sub-acute toxicity will strengthen its pharmacological outline and encourage its investigation as a potential future treatment. Rats were split into three groups (n¼12) by OECD TG 407 (OECD, 2008). The limit test determined the necessary amount of VNC. The control groups were given an identical volume of vehicle, while the dosing and monitoring groups were given VNC (1000 mg/kg/day, p.o. for 14 days). The duration of the post-treatment surveillance period was extended by 14 days in order to evaluate reversibility. Deaths, toxic reactions, and weight shifts were all recorded. On days 15 and 29, the rats were killed while under anaesthesia so that blood samples could be collected to analyze for haematological and biochemical markers. Histopathological studies and evaluation of a wide range of biochemical and hematological parameters indicated that VNC has no appreciable harmful effect on body weight, erythropoiesis, or leucopoiesis. This study may assist scientists in determining appropriate levels for longer-term sub- chronic investigations so that VNC may be considered safe for short-term use. Sub-chronic and chronic toxicity tests must also assess long-term safety. Keywords: VNC, Traditional formulation, Musculoskeletal diseases, Sub-acute toxicity, Surveillance group