Acute hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity risk assessment of the Tibetan medicine 25 flavors of the turquoise pill based on 1H-NMR metabonomics

Ethnopharmacological relevance: 25 flavors of the turquoise pill, a traditional Tibetan medicine for the treatment of various types of hepatitis, has not been investigated on its safety, especially the component mineral turquoise, which is believed to be essential but worried for its potential toxicity. Aim of the study: To explore the potential acute toxicity and function of 25 flavors of the turquoise pill and turquoise, the possible mechanism of the effects of turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill were systematically studied based on H-1 NMR metabolomics. Materials and methods: The rats were administered with turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill by gavage for 7 days, and samples of serum, liver, and kidney were collected. The potential toxicity and function of turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill on the liver and kidney of SD rats were evaluated by H-1 NMR metabonomics, histopathology, and biochemical indexes. Results: The results demonstrated that 25 flavors of the turquoise pill could scavenge free oxygen radicals, strengthen aerobic respiration and inhibit glycolysis in the liver. It did not cause oxidative stress in the kidney with no obvious damage. By modulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), 25 flavors of the turquoise pill can improve the utilization of glucose and promote aerobic respiration of the kidney. Conclusion: Considering the high dosage and short duration used in this study relative to their typical clinical usage, administration of 25 flavors of the turquoise pill and its component mineral turquoise are safe to livers and kidneys.

Automated summary

The study investigated the potential acute toxicity and function of the traditional Tibetan medicine, 25 flavors of the turquoise pill, and its key mineral component, turquoise, on the liver and kidney of rats. Results showed that the pill could scavenge free oxygen radicals and improve aerobic respiration in the liver without causing oxidative stress in the kidney. By modulating branched-chain amino acids, it also enhanced glucose utilization and promoted aerobic respiration in the kidney. Overall, the administration of the pill and turquoise was deemed safe for liver and kidney function under the experimental conditions.