ACUTE TOXICITY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE HEART AND LUNGS OF THE POLYHERBAL LEAVE EXTRACT

ABSTRACT

The present study used animal model to evaluate the acute toxicity and histopathological effects of polyherbal extract in relation to the heart and lungs. The herbal remedies have gained popularity for their perceived health benefits; however, these formulations' safety and potential adverse effects remain a concern. This investigation on polyhereal extract, composed of multiple plant species known for their medicinal properties, was administered to laboratory animals to evaluate its potential toxicity and its impact on heart and lung tissues. Acute toxicity was investigated using standard methods, involving the administration of graded (1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg) doses of the polyherbal extract. The observations of clinical signs, mortality, and gross behavioural changes were recorded. The histopathological evaluations of the heart and lung elucidated no pathological alterations induced at graded doses of the extract. The preliminary results indicated that the polyherbal leaf extract exhibited dose-dependent effects on the animals, with observable changes in their behaviour, clinical signs, and mortality rates at higher doses. However, the extract's toxicity profile varied among the different animal groups. The histopathological analysis of heart and lung tissues revealed dose-dependent alterations, including cellular degeneration, inflammation, and structural changes. These histological changes were more pronounced at higher doses and were consistent with the observed clinical symptoms. In conclusion, the acute toxicity investigation of the polyherbal extract demonstrated no potential adverse effects on the heart and lungs in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies can be warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive components responsible for these effects and to investigate the potential reversibility of the observed histopathological changes.