Toxicological Evaluation and Possible Reversal of Diabetic Toxicological Complications by PHF5 an Antidiabetic Herbal Formula in Wistar Albino Rats

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