Subchronic toxicity study of tetima herbal compound extract in experimental animals

Abstract

Background: Thermopsis daurica Czefr, Thymus gobicus Tschern and Malva mohileviensis Downer are commonly used as mucolytic in traditional medicine and are also ingredients in mucolytic prescribed in modern clinical practice as well. anti-inflammatory treatment in non-conventional medicine. We investigated possible subchronic toxic effects of “Tetima” herbal medicine which is prepared from these herbals compound. Methods: “Tetima” herbal compound spirit extract was prepared in ethanol by extracting in rotary refrigerator for 3 hours. The ratio of herbals to ethanol was 1:10. Chopped raw materials of Thymus gobicus Tschern, Thermopsis daurica Czefr and Malva mohileviensis Downer were used with the ratio 1:1:0.05 for preparation of the extract. Prepared extract was given to 15 Wistar breed rats (ea. 230-370 gr) for 28 days. Subchronic toxicity was evaluated 24 hours after the last dose. In addition, histology of solid organs was also investigated. Result: When compared hematological parameters, such as red blood cell count, white blood cell count and platelets count, no significant changes were observed between experimental groups and control group (p>0.05). Renal and liver toxicity were evaluated by measuring ALT, AST, creatinine level and uric acid level. There was no significant difference between control and experimental groups (p>0.05). The histopathological investigation demonstrated cellular level regenerative changes in kidney tissue of experimented animals. However, no abnormal changes were observed in liver and heart tissue when compared with control group. Conclusion: As result of the investigation of subchronic toxicity, “Tetima” herbal compound extract is determined to have low toxicity.