Toxicity Study and Hypoglycaemic Effect of Yoyo Bitters in Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to determine the toxicity and hypoglycemic effect of Yoyo Bitters in animal model. Methodology: The study was conducted at Rivers State University (RSU). The laboratory animals were housed in the animal house of the biology department where the practical was carried out, and laboratory analysis was done in the Medical Laboratory Department of Rivers State University Medical Center. The Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) of the bitters in mice was determined and was found to be 80ml/kg which gave a clue on the safety dose of this herbal remedy. This study further compared the effect of a standard anti-diabetic drug (glibenclamide with the effect of Yoyo Bitters in alloxan induced diabetic rat. In this study twenty-four (24) wistar albino rats were used and was grouped into four (4). Alloxan 150mg/kg was induced intra-peritoneally and subsequently given Yoyo Bitters and antidiabetic drug (glibenclamide). Results: The result of the hypoglycemic effect of Yoyo Bitters low dose(8.84±0.4) showed no significant difference as compared to anti-diabetic drug (8.3±1.0) treated group of rats on day 7 and 21.But the low dose of Yoyo Bitters fed rats showed a significant reduction on day 21 (5.66±0.6) as compared to the high dose of Yoyo Bitters fed rats on day 21(8.82±1.0) and control group that were given distilled water(8.48±0.8).Statistically, the low dose of Yoyo Bitters (mean value 5.66±0.6) and antidiabetic drug ((mean value 5.7 ±0.5) group of rats produced a significant result as compared to the control that were given distilled water. While the high dose of Yoyo Bitters group of rat produced no significant result as compared to the control group(F-value=1.48,P>0.05).The third phase of this study comprised of three groups with six(6) rats each; the control group which were given distilled water, the high dose of Yoyo Bitters fed group of rats(7.75ml/kg) and the low dose of Yoyo Bitters fed group of rats and the findings were as follows; Low dose of Yoyo Bitters group produced no significant difference for all the parameters analyzed (liver and kidney function parameters) as compared with the control, but the group of high dose of Yoyo Bitters fed rat gave a significant result in three of the parameters analyzed (Urea, Direct bilirubin, and Bicarbonate) while others were not significant as compared with the control group. The histological examination of the liver and kidney of Yoyo Bitters administered rats showed a mild necrosis and fragmented proximal and distal tubules and preserved glomerulus in the kidneys of the low dose administered rat as compared to the high dose administered rat. The liver of a low dose yoyo biters administered rats showed a normal hepatocyte with minor vacoulation and fragmentation; and also, a mild necrotic change observed which is contrary to the high dose administered rat which presented a high tissue injury. platelets are significantly but negatively associated with esophageal varices grades. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study has shown that Yoyo Bitters have hypoglycemic potential and has influence on some of the liver and kidney function parameters and based on the histology results Yoyo Bitters can be toxic to the organs of the body (liver and kidney) if precautions and right dosage is not administered. This study would recommend that more research be carried out especially on the hypoglycemic potential and toxicity levels of Yoyo Bitters.