Evaluation of the Toxicological Profile of Yagari
Uzuazokaro Mark-Maria Agatemor *
Department of Pharmacology, Novena University, Ogume, Delta State, 322110, Nigeria.
Okwesili Fred Chiligue Nwodo
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Objective: Data from researches have shown a rise in disease, ill health and death linked with the utilization of herbal products, thereby raising global awareness in the last few years. On that account, the safety and toxicity evaluations of herbal products and preparations was essential. This study evaluated the toxicological profile of Yagari – a herbal mixture.
Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity (LD50) was carried out in Swiss mice according to Lorke’s method while sub-chronic toxicity study was carried out with 20 adult albino rats which were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Group one served as control and received normal saline while Groups 2 to 4 received 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg yagari respectively for 28 days. The body weights of the rats were monitored while on day 29, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples and organs were collected for biochemical/hematological analysis and histopathological examination respectively.
Results: Results showed that Yagari is not noxious up to 5000 mg/kg following acute oral toxicity study. The sub-chronic toxicity test divulged that Yagari had no serious end results on the biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters, although the body weight of the animals significantly increased.
Conclusion: It was concluded that Yagari is not toxic, still further investigations on a large number of animals are essentially needed to denote safety and efficacy of the herbal formulation.
Keywords: Toxicological, yagari, herbal mixture, sub-chronic