Comprehensive safety assessment of Qiwei Tiexie Pill: integrating histopathological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses in a rat model.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Qiwei Tiexie Pill (QWTX) is a Tibetan medicine formulation containing processed iron powder that requires systematic safety evaluation. This study aimed to assess the acute toxicological mechanisms of QWTX and its key mineral component, processed iron powder.

Methods

An integrative approach combining histopathological examination, serum biochemistry, and multi-platform metabolomics (1H NMR and LC-MS) was employed to evaluate toxicological responses in Sprague-Dawley rats following 7-day oral administration.

Results

While both treatments preserved hepatic structural integrity without inducing hepatotoxicity, significant renal effects were observed in a dose- and formulation-dependent manner. High-dose processed iron powder caused moderate renal histopathol

SUBMITTER: Zheng Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12441281 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature