@article {2594, title = {Subchronic Toxicity Assessment of Arsenic-Contaminated Rice Following Repeated Oral Administration in Wistar Rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {18}, year = {2026}, month = {April 2026}, pages = {82-93}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {82}, abstract = {

Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid with well-established toxic and carcinogenic properties, and dietary exposure through rice (Oryza sativa L.) represents a significant public health concern, particularly in populations with high rice consumption. Flooded paddy cultivation increases arsenic bioavailability, facilitating its accumulation in rice grains. While chemical monitoring and risk assessment indices are commonly used to estimate arsenic exposure, these approaches provide limited insight into the biological effects of long-term consumption. This study aimed to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of arseniccontaminated rice using a 90-day oral exposure model in Wistar rats, focusing on toxicological endpoints relevant to food safety assessment. Rice samples were selected using a conservative worst-case exposure strategy based on inductively coupled plasma{\textendash}mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) arsenic profiling across several regencies in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Red, brown, and white rice samples with the highest arsenic concentrations in their respective categories were administered orally to female Wistar rats at doses of 8.1, 16.2, and 24.3 g/kg body weight per day for 90 consecutive days. A negative control group received 0.5\% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, while a positive control group received inorganic arsenic (0.3 mg/kg body weight). Clinical signs, body-weight changes, hematological parameters, serum biochemical markers of hepatic and renal function, and histopathological alterations in the liver and kidneys were evaluated. No mortality or severe clinical toxicity was observed in rice-treated groups. Bodyweight gain, relative organ weights, hematological indices, and renal biomarkers remained comparable to controls. Mild elevations in hepatic enzymes and focal hepatocellular alterations were observed only at the highest brown rice dose. In conclusion, subchronic oral exposure to arsenic-contaminated rice resulted in minimal systemic toxicity under the conditions tested, with the liver identified as the primary target organ at higher exposure levels. These findings provide biologically relevant evidence to support food safety evaluation of arsenic-contaminated rice.

}, keywords = {Arsenic, Histopathology, Rat, Rice, Subchronic Toxicity}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2026.18.120}, author = {Christica Ilsanna Surbakti and Jansen Silalahi and Anayanti Arianto and Urip Harahap} } @article {2567, title = {A Study on Arsenic and Arsenic-Containing Mineral Medicines Referenced in Ancient Books of Traditional Mongolian Medicine}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {December 2025}, pages = {270-274}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {270}, abstract = {

Introduction: Arsenic was used to distinguish between red stone poison and white stone poison in traditional medicine from ancient times. However, there is no specific study conducted on "stone arsenic" based on ancient Mongolian medical books and manuscripts. Therefore, this study aims to collect and analyse information on arsenic recorded in ancient traditional medical scriptures and books written in Mongolian and Tibetan as early as the 19th to late 20th centuries, with a focus on its medical applications and associated terminology. Methods: The hermeneutic research method emphasises the interpretive analysis of ancient texts, communications, and their interrelations. Employing the hermeneutics method, we focused on interpreting the meanings within ancient medical texts and manuscripts, including the terminology of the sources selected for analysis. The checklist method was used to categorise and list the facts and information about arsenic in the study sources. The relevant components of the collected information and facts regarding arsenic and arsenic-containing mineral medicines were examined. Results: Several sources of traditional Mongolian medicine have mentioned the use of arsenic as a standalone substance. Additionally, there is limited information about its use in combination with other medications. During the research, it was discovered that an ancient manuscript mentioned its use as an active ingredient. This manuscript, a single-page scripture, is poorly written but contains rare information. The active ingredient of this medicine is arsenic, and the other four ingredients are sulphur native, sal ammoniac, realgar, and resin of the plant Shorea robusta. It is mixed with aged oil and applied to various wounds, and is regarded as one of the most effective remedies for all ulcers and wounds. Conclusion: The research results revealed that there are several clear references to arsenic in ancient traditional Mongolian medical books and manuscripts written in Tibetan and Mongolian. The Tibetan name for arsenic is rdo dug, the Mongolian name is kh{\"u}ntsel, and the Latin name is Arsenicum. The findings indicate that arsenic is incorporated into several traditional prescriptions and serves as an active component in certain medicinal formulations.

}, keywords = {Arsenic, ingredient, manuscript, mineral medicines, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.96}, author = {Sainjargal Ayush and Selenge Erdenechimeg and Ao Wuliji and Hua Naranmandura and Bold Sharav and Javkhlan Bold} }