Potential Hematotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Multi-Herbal Formulations in Albino Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

The current increase in the use of multi-herbal remedies coupled with loose regulation on public access to these products underscore research efforts to evaluate their biochemical effect, noting that many of the herbal medicines lack scientific evidence to support their medicinal claims. Objective: We therefore investigated the potential genotoxicity and hematotoxicity of commonly consumed multi-herbal formulations (YoyoBitters, Ogidiga and BabyOku) in Lagos, Nigeria, in experimental mice. Methods: Fifty (50) adult female albino mice were randomly selected and distributed into 5 groups of 10 mice each. Two mL/kg body weight of distilled water were orally administered to the control groups while BabyOku, YoyoBitters and Ogidiga herbal formulations were administered to the experimental groups at doses of 2 mL/kg body weights. Results: A dose- and tissue-dependent increase in induction of apoptotic DNA fragmentation was observed in the triherbal groups relative to control groups. Also, an increase in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was formed in a dose-dependent manner in the multi-herbal groups when compared with the control groups. Conclusion: From our findings, multi-herbal formulations may possess hematotoxic and genotoxic potentials in mice.