Hepatotoxicity Assessment of a Polyherbal Mixture in Exposed Wistar Rats

Abstract

The study evaluates the toxicity concern of a polyherbal mixture (Dr Iguedo Goko Cleanser®) on liver function parameters and liver histoarchitecture of exposed Wistar rats of both gender. Thirty (30) Wistar rats of both genders were randomly allotted to (6) six groups (5/group). Groups 1 and 4 were controls and received 10 mL/kg body weight of distilled water. Groups 2-3 and 5-6 received high (476.24 mg/kg) and low (158.75 mg/kg) doses of the polyherbal mixture respectively. On 62nd day, the animals were euthanized under diethyl ether anaesthesia and sacrificed. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. From each animal, the liver was eviscerated, weighed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological examination. Results presented a significant (p<0.05) increase in ALT activity for high dose female (HDF) rats; while a decrease was recorded for low dose male (LDM) rats. Significant reduction in AST activity was recorded for the male rats. Whereas, decreased and increased AST activities were respectively recorded for high and low dose female rats. ALP activities were significantly reduced and elevated in the exposed male and female rats respectively. The histopathology of the liver revealed degrees of pathologies such as tissue degeneration, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, ruptured bile ducts amongst others. Findings suggest utmost caution on chronic use of the polyherbal mixture and avoidance whenever possible, as its hepatotoxic potentials are considerable.