Evaluating The Adverse Health Effects of Herbal Medicine on Swiss Albino Mice: A Comprehensive Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity Analysis

Abstract

Herbal medicine (HM) has been utilized extensively to a wide range of illnesses for thousands of years and has significantly contributed to the health of human beings. The harmful health consequences or degree of toxicity of herbal medication are not demonstrated according to testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards of Food and Drug Administration. The aim of the study was to investigate the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of herbal medicine - Amlasia: a well‑known Hamdard herbal formulation – on swiss albino mice. For fourteen days straight, the Amlasia solution was administered orally at two separate dosages (0.5 ml per kg and 2.5 ml per kg body weight). Paracetamol was employed for a single lethal dosage of hepato-renal toxicity and allopathic medications Maxpro were utilized as standard. Enzyme levels such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride, total protein (TP), bilirubin, albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and urea were measured in order to evaluate liver and kidney impairment. Besides, oxidative stress markers (reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase activity) were assessed and finally, cellular toxicity level was evaluated through histopathology analysis. The outcomes for the parameters measuring liver and kidney function showed that, enzyme levels did not significantly change after Amlasia treatment. Moreover, the oxidative stress markers also indicate the non-significant difference as compared with saline control group. Finally, the histopathological analysis of the liver and kidney samples revealed normal cellular levels according to microscopic evaluation. The investigated herbal medicine did not cause hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic disorders in the experimented animals, according to biochemical parameter, oxidative stress marker and histological examination. It was concluded that, the investigated herbal medicine was therefore found to be pharmacologically safe.