Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity of HRT 123 Polyherbal Formula

Plant based drugs (single or multi-component formulations) have been used in managing many health conditions worldwide. One such formulation is the herbal formula HRT 123 which is being used in managing conditions involving immunosuppression, HIV/AIDs and other infectious diseases of viral origin. This study screened for phytochemical constituents and evaluates acute and sub acute toxicity profile of aqueous HRT 123 extract. We evaluated acute toxicity of HRT 12 aqueous extract using the modified Arithmetic method of Karbar and sub-acute toxicity using the 14-day repeated dose oral toxicity testing procedure. For sub acute toxicity, thirty albino rats divided into five groups of six rats each received 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg of extract respectively by oral route for 14 days. Animals were sacrificed and blood analyzed for haematological parameters, serum biomarkers and electrolytes while visceral organs (lungs, heart, liver, kidneys & spleen) were harvested for histopathological investigations. Phytochemical screening shows presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and carbohydrates. Acute toxicity shows oral LD50 to be more than 6000 mg/kg. Following sub acute administration, indices of liver (AST, ALT, total protein & albumin) and renal (sodium, potassium, chloride & creatinine) function and; haematological parameters were not significantly different in treated groups relative to controls. Liver weight displayed a dose dependent increase while the kidneys showed relative but non-significant decrease. These results are suggestive of the relative safety of HRT 123 but caution needs to be exercised with used of high doses and in the face of concomitant liver or kidney abnormality.