Langali (Gloriosa superba Linn.) is an endangered medicinal plant species known for its toxic alkaloids, colchicine, and gloriosine. Colchicine, primarily found in the tubers of Langali, is responsible for its toxic effects. In Ayurvedic literature, Shunthi (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been described as an antidote to counter the toxicity of Langali poisoning. However, the scientific validation of Shunthi's efficacy as an antidote is crucial before considering its use in medical emergencies. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the potency of Shunthi as an antidote in Langali poisoning. A total of 24 Wistar rats, weighing 120-250 g and of both sexes, were selected for the study. Six rats were used for acute oral toxicity study, divided into two groups and administered doses of 300 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg body weight of Shunthi for 14 days. For the neurotoxicity study, 18 healthy Wistar rats were divided into three groups, and Langali poisoning was induced in these rats for 10 days. Results: The results of the acute oral toxicity study indicated that the maximum dose of Shunthi at 2000 mg/kg body weight was safe, with no observed behavioural abnormalities. Hematological and biochemical examinations revealed normal parameters, further supporting the safety of the test drug at the maximum dose. In the neurotoxicity study, administering a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight of Shunthi to experimental animals with Langali-induced neurotoxicity showed satisfactory results, indicating the antidote effect of Shunthi in Langali poisoning. Conclusion: The liquid suspension of Shunthi was found to be safe at 2000mg/kg dose level and shows neuroprotective activity on wistar rats. At the dose of 200mg/kg body weight of Shunthi which was given in experimental animals having neurotoxicity induced by Langali shows satisfactory result, that supported the antidote effect of Shunthi in Langali poisoning.
Key words: Antidote, Langali, Shunthi, Neuroprotective activity
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