Evaluation of acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Vensestin Cleansers: a polyherbal supplement in female Wistar Albino rats.

ABSTRACT

The acute and sub-chronic toxicities of Venestin Cleansers® (VC)-a polyherbal supplement in female Wistar Albino Rats Was Evaluated. Acute toxicity of VC in rats was determined. Twenty four weight-matched animals divided into 3 groups of eight rats each were given feed and water only (control), feed + water + 500 mg/kg and feed + water + 1000 mg/kg VC for 28-days. Feed and fluid intakes were measured daily and body weight was taken weekly. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture and necropsy was done after 28 days. Liver and ovary were harvested and histopathological analysis was done. Liver and renal functions tests were carried out. Administration of 2000 mg/kg of VC showed no mortality in the rats after 14 days. Fluid , feed intakes and body weight were increased by 500 and 1000mg/kg VC. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities increased significantly (p≤0.05) after VC administration. There was significant (p≤0.05) increase in conjugated bilirubin and total protein levels following administration of 500 and 1000mg/kg VC. Liver histology of the 500 and 1000 mg/kg of VC treated groups showed widespread ballooning, degeneration of the hepatocytes, periportal infiltration by chronic inflammatory cells with loss of radial arrangement of hepatocytes around the central veins. Histological examination of the ovaries showed areas of luteinized stromal cells, normal follicles, normal fallopian tubes. Chronic exposure of VC may have public health importance in man.