Preclinical Toxicity Study of the Phytomedicine - Bee Honey and <i>Musa paradisiaca</i> Extract- in Rodents

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the safety of the phytomedicine – bee honey and M. paradisiaca drug, through acute and subchronic toxicity studies in rodents. Acute toxicity of the phytomedicine was evaluated in Swiss albino mice using graded oral-doses of the drug in the range of 1.0 to 20.0 g/kg b.wt orally and observed continuously; first for 4hrs, hourly for the next 24hrs and then 6-hourly for 48hrs. Subchronic toxicity was investigated with different concentrations of the drug for 30 days and the effects on biochemical and hematological parameters evaluated. The median acute toxicity value (LD₅₀) of the phytomedicine was 18.840g/kg b.wt. The drug significantly reduced (p<0.05) plasma glucose and low density lipoprotein levels, but increased high density lipoprotein in the treated groups compared to the control. Aspartate aminotransferases and creatinine levels were significantly increased especially in the group treated with highest dose of the drug while significant decrease in alanine aminotransferases level was observed. The high LD₅₀ value of the drug implies the drug could be safe for use. The study revealed that the drug had good reducing effects on hypoglycemia and the cardiovascular risk factors but that long term use can cause kidney problems.

Keywords: Acute toxicity, Sub-chronic toxicity, Musa paradisiaca, Bee honey
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