Phytochemicals and Toxicological Effects of herbal drink (HD) on Liver and kidney in Wistar Rats
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Date
2023
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Kampala International University
Abstract
Herbal medicine use is on the increase worldwide and many studies have associated their use
with hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Herbal drink (HD) is a commercial herbal drink mainly
used in Uganda. In this study, we evaluated the phytochemical composition, acute and sub
chronic toxicological effects of HD on hepatorenal integrity in Wistar rats. Modified Lorke’s
method was employed in the acute toxicity study. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, a total of
sixteen (N= 16) Wistar rats were randomly allotted to four groups of four rats each (n=4).
normal control group, NC (normal dose equivalent of distilled water), Group T1 (half normal
dose of HD), Group T2 (normal recommended dose equivalent of HD) and Group T3 (twice
normal recommended dose of HD). All treatments were done by intragastric gavage for a period
of twenty-eight days. Phytochemical analysis of HD showed the presence of alkaloids,
glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. The animals
were able to tolerate a dose of up to 5000mg/Kg. It was demonstrated that continuous twenty
eight-days treatment with HD does not significantly alter kidney and liver function parameters in
Wistar rats. This observation concurs with the histopathological findings of the liver and kidney
tissues which showed no remarkable histomorphological alterations. Regular intake of HD does
not have any significant toxic effects on liver and kidney in Wistar rats.
Keywords: herbal drink, HD, phytochemicals, toxicity, liver, kidney