Toxicity Evaluation of a Commercial Herbal Preparation Commonly Used in Nigeria
Journal Title: European Journal of Medicinal Plants - Year 2015, Vol 5, Issue 2
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the safety of a popular polyherbal decoction, consisting of Alstonia boonei stem bark and Fagara zanthoxyloids stem bark, used in the management of arthritis and rheumatism in Nigeria. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra State, Nigeria between the months of June and November, 2013. Study Design: In acute toxicity study, 2 -10 ml/kg were administered to rats and mice and obvious toxic signs and mortality were observed for 24 hours post-administration. In sub-chronic toxicity study, 1.29, 2.97 and 5.14 ml/kg, of the herbal preparation were orally administered to three groups (five animals per group) of Wistar rats daily for 90 days. The control group of animals received 10 ml/kg of normal saline. Body weight changes were determined weekly, while hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, ulcer index and liver and kidney histologies were evaluated on 31, 61 and 91st days. Post-treatment studies were also carried out. Results: All the animals survived after twenty four (24) hours of observation in acute toxicity study and the LD50 was estimated to be above 10 ml/kg. In sub-chronic toxicity studies, there were insignificant (P>.05) changes in body weight and hematological parameters. However, some blood chemistry indices were significant (P<.05). The histologies of the liver and kidney showed irreversible toxicities especially at high doses and duration of administration. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the herbal preparation may be nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic especially at high doses on long term use, suggesting that it may not be safe in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism and other chronic diseases.
Authors and Affiliations
Erhirhie Earnest Oghenesuvwe, Ilodigwe Emmanuel Emeka, Ajaghaku Daniel Lotanna, Mbagwu Ikechukwu Sonne, Moke Emuesiri Goodies
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP350298
- DOI 10.9734/EJMP/2015/12926
- Views 146
- Downloads 0
Qualitative Characterization of Solvent and Cooked Extracts of Tribulus terrestris L. Fruit
Currently there has been an increased attention globally to identify antioxidant compound that are pharmacologically potent and have low or no side effects. As plants are source of natural antioxidants, much concentratio...
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Activity of Clausena anisata, Acokanthera shemperii and Olea europaea Growing in Tanzania
Aims: To evaluate antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activities of Clausena anisata, Acokanthera shemperii and Olea europaea against seven Gram negative bacteria and fungal species. Study Design: Bioassay of antimicrobial as...
Effect of SanQiTongShuan on Rats in Stroke Recovery Period
Objective: This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and possible mechanisms of Chinese Medicine SanQiTongShuan(SQTS) on rats in stroke recovery period. Methods: The cerebral ischemia stroke recovery period m...
Microbiological Contamination and Anti-bacterial Traits of Common Oral Herbal Medicinal Products within Dhaka Metropolis
Aims: Present study endeavored to examine the growth and survival of microorganisms within 6 categories of oral herbal medicines commonly used by the community within Dhaka metropolis. Methodology: Samples were analyzed...
Inhibitory Effects of Plant Extracts and Putative Endophytic Actinomycetes from the Selected Members of Meliaceae Family against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Aims: To isolate and screen endophytic actinomycetes and plant extracts from Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach for antibacterial effects against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Study Design: Isolation and identification...