Abstract:
The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the safety of a polyherbal antihypertensive commonly used in Ghana. The product was administered by gavage to mice at doses of 36, 72 and 180 mg/kg/day. Organ-to-body weight ratio, liver and kidney function, hematological and lipid profile and histopathological examinations were performed. Physical observation showed no toxic symptoms. Higher doses recorded a decrease in liver weight with increase in treatment periods. White blood cells also increased significantly. Hemoglobin concentration (but not red blood cells and mean corpuscular volume) decreased very significantly after 23 days of treatment. Hematocrit, plateletcrit and platelet distribution width increased very significantly, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration significantly reduced. Total plasma protein (albumin and globulin) increased significantly. Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase, increased significantly with onset of treatment but these returned to normal. In the kidney function tests, creatinine increased significantly. Total cholesterol and high density lipoproteins reduced very significantly while triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins and low density lipoproteins increased significantly initially but all these were normal by day 45. Urine analysis showed no significant changes. The liver, kidney and spleen showed some pathological changes. The product had an initial antigenic effect and causes microcytic-anitocytic anaemia. It affects liver function transiently and has effect on the kidney with prolonged used. The no-observable-adverse-effect-level is 32 mg/kg/day. The product is safe to use at reasonably lower doses but liver and kidney function must be monitored.
G.A. Koffuor, E. Woode, C. Obirikorang and E. Asiamah, 2011. Toxicity Evaluation of a Polyherbal Antihypertensive Mixture in Ghana. Journal of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, 1: 34-48.
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