ABSTRACT
The study was to evaluate the testicular and epidydimal effects of Smart Herbal Purifier® (SHP) - a poly herbal supplement with a composition of Cassia alata 30 %, Morinda Lucida 30 %, and Nuclea Blend 40 % , in a 90 day repeated dose toxicity test in male Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats. The study was with control,48,240 and 480 mg/kg SHP treated rats. Sperm motility, debris generation, abnormal sperm morphology, sperm viability, testosterone, Follicular stimulating Hormone (FSH), luteinizing Hormone (LH), Prolactin, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a measure of oxidative stress in the testes were analyzed. Histology of the testes was also examined. There was no significant difference in both Testicular Sperm Number (TSN), Epididymal sperm Number (ESN), the abnormal sperm morphology of both the control and SHP treated groups. A significant increase was observed in the debris generated in the testes and epididymis when control was compared to SHP treated groups. There was also a significant decrease in viability and motility in the testes and epididymis when control was compared to SHP treated group. Testosterone, FSH, LH and Prolactin were not significantly different when control was compared to SHP treated group. MDA was significantly increased when control was compared to the treated groups. Histology of the testes of the treated group showed necrosis of the seminiferous tubules. SHP may have toxicological concerns in the male reproductive system.
ABSTRACT
To evaluate the toxicological implications of the administration of aqueous leaf extract of Chromolaena odorata. The aqueous leaf extract was administered three times per week, for 90 days at doses of 161.5mg/kg, 32 3mg/kg, 538,5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg body weight, respectively. The control animals received 0.5ml of deionised water alone. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 90days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and the heart, testes and kidney harvested for histological analysis. Histopathological examination of the heart, lungs, testis and the kidneys did not show any observable morphological alterations. The biochemical parameters; amylase, albumin and total serum protein, and Na+ were found to be decreased at doses of 538.5mg/kg and 1077mg/kg, while the serum levels of creatine kinase, AST, K+, glucose, uric acid, urea and creatinine were increased at the same dose levels. The absence of exhibition of observable toxicity below 538.5mg/kg body weight suggests that the extract may be safe and non-toxic only at very low doses.
ABSTRACT
The effect of the aqueous extract of S. scabrida on behaviour, and as an analgesic and antiulcer agent were studied. The extracts did not produce significant central nervous system action, or analgesia but had significant antiulcer activity against aspirin induced ulcer. The extract showed anticholinergic and antihistaminergic properties.