Evaluation Of Toxic Effect Of Traditionally Used Antidiabetic Polyherbal Formulation On Albino Rats

Abstract

Polyherbal formulations are available with a wide range of types to treat various diseases and are popular remedies for diabetes.  Despite the widespread use, there is a lack of scientific evidence on their efficacy and safety.  The present study was undertaken to know the toxic effect of the aqueous extract of antidiabetic polyherbal formulation (includes Andrographis paniculata, Andrographis alata, Adhatoda zeylanica, Gymnema sylvestre, Syzygium cumini and Justicia glabra) on albino rats.  Toxic effect of aqueous extract of antidiabetic polyherbal formulations on male albino rats were investigated by administering at a daily doses of 10mg/kg b.wt., 100mg/kg b.wt. and 1000mg/kg b.wt. for 30 days. Mortality of the rats due to toxic effect if any and abnormal behaviour was noted. Biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP, Urea, Uric acid, Creatinine and Bilirubin were measured as indices or organ specific toxicity or potential drug interactions. Toxicity studies revealed the non-toxic nature of aqueous extract of antidiabetic polyherbal formulations. No mortality was observed in aqueous extract of antidiabetic polyherbal formulations treated rats. Similarly, no abnormal behaviours were observed in experimental rats and they also appeared in normal condition.  Further, this herbal formulation did not affect any biochemical parameters under the study. Thus the polyherbal formulation may be used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.