Toxicological Evaluation and Possible Reversal of Diabetic Toxicological Complications by PHF5 an Antidiabetic Herbal Formula in Wistar Albino Rats
Egba Simeon Ikechukwu *
Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
N. Okafor Polycarp
Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
E. Mbah Patricia
Department of Home Economics, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
C. Ikechukwu Gavin
Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
C. Omeoga Humphrey
Department of Biochemistry, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria.
W. Eze Chukwuka
Department of Biochemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: Medicinal potentials of herbs can be amplified greatly through synergism in a poly-herbal formulations. Toxic propensities of a plant can be masked out in poly-herbal preparations thus enhancing effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential toxicological effect and toxicity ameliorating properties of a poly-herbal formula (PHF5) prepared in a particular ratio from the leaves of Ocimmum gratissimum, Vernonia amygdalina, Gongronema latifolium, Gnetum africanum and Aloe barbadensis against alloxan-induced diabetic male rats.
Methods: Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats divided into 6 groups with 6 animals per group were used for this study. Group 1 served as normal control animals; group 2 had the diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (75 mg/kg bw); group 3, diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (150 mg/kg bw); group 4, diabetic rats treated with PHF5 (300 mg/kg bw); group 5, diabetic rats not given any intervention, group 6 diabetic animals treated with Glibenclamide (5 mg/kgbw). The induction of diabetes was done intraperitoneally using alloxan monohydrate (100 mg/kg bw). Administration of PHF5 was done orally for five weeks.
Results: Acute toxicity studies of PHF5 did not show any toxic symptoms in animals that received the PHF5 at up to 5000 mg/kg bw dose. The elevated liver (TP, AST, ALT and ALP) and kidney (BUN and Creatnine) markers in the diabetic animals were lowered significantly in the PHF5-treated animals.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggests that PHF5 possess protective properties against hepatotoxicity and diabetic nephropathy and that the extract is quite safe for consumption
Keywords: Toxicity, Wistar rats, poly-herbal formula, antidiabetic, alloxan monohydrate