Background: Herbal formulations combining plant-derived phytochemicals are gaining attention for their therapeutic potential with minimal side effects. This study investigates the cytotoxic potential of a novel polyherbal formulation composed of sesame root extract and raspberry using in vitro and in vivo bioassays. Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicity of the sesame root–raspberry herbal formulation on mouse fibroblast cells and brine shrimp nauplii, and to establish a dose–response profile. Methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay on 3T3-L1 mouse fibroblast cells. Cell viability was determined spectrophotometrically at 570 nm. Morphological changes were observed using inverted phase-contrast microscopy. Additionally, the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) was conducted using Artemia salina nauplii exposed to the formulation at 5–80 μg/mL for 48 h. Results: The formulation exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect in 3T3-L1 cells, with significant reductions in cell viability observed at concentrations ≥60 μg/mL ( P < 0.05). Morphological assessment revealed membrane shrinkage and cell rounding at higher doses. In the BSLA, 100% survival was observed at 24 h across all concentrations; however, delayed toxicity was evident at 48 h, with survival declining to 70% at 40 and 80 μg/mL. Conclusion: The sesame root and raspberry-based formulation is biocompatible at lower concentrations but exhibits moderate cytotoxicity at higher doses.
Gomathi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.