Toxicological evaluation of anti-cough herbal tea made from aqueous extracts of G. Kola, C. Citratus and B. pinnatum

Background: Herbal formulations currently contribute significantly to medical remedies with varying effects on health indices.  Garcinia kola seeds, Cymbapogon citratus, and Bryophyllum pinnantum leaves are among the widely used in herbal formulations.

Objectives: This study evaluated the toxicological effects of the ternary combination of these plant materials on some renal, hepatic, hematological and histological parameters of streptococci-infected white albino rats.

Materials and Methods: Samples of Garcinia kola seeds, Cymbapogon citratus leaves, and Bryophyllum pinnantum leaves were sourced locally and authenticated by a taxonomist. Aqueous extract of the ternary combination comprising of 40% G. kola, 30% C. citratus, and 30% B. pinnantum  was prepared and administered on albino rats. Thirty five white albino rats grouped into 7 groups comprising of normal control, treatment control, disease control, and test group were used for the evaluation after a 14 days treatment on infected and uninfected rats. The rats were sacrificed, and samples collected.  Some renal, hepatic, histological, and hematological indices were analyzed.

Results: Comparison of all hematological parameters (except for platelet count) between uninfected-untreated and unifected-treated with extract showed no significant (p>0.05) difference. Platelet count was significantly (p<0.05) raised in all groups treated with the extract. Comparison control and the extract-treated group showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in renal parameters indicating no adverse effects on renal function. However, comparison of parameters between control and the infected-treated group showed significantly elevated creatinine which alone may not be sufficient to support renal damage. Albumin, and total bilirubin were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the extract-treated group compared to the control group.  In contrast, total protein and globulin were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the controls to the infected groups. ALT and AST were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the extract treated groups compared to the control group. Although comparison of ALP activity between uninfected-untreated and infected-treated group showed significant (p<0.05) elevation this alone may not be sufficient to support liver damage. The hematoxyline and eosine stained sections of the kidney and the liver tissues of the tea fed groups show normal kidney and liver histology. There was no significant change in the liver and kidney histology of the test and control groups. The extract did not cause adverse impact on these organs.  

Conclusion: Ternary combination of 40% G. kola, 30% C. citratus, and 30% B. pinnantum can effectively be used in treatment of cough without significant adverse effects on renal, hepatic, hematological and histological parameters. The ternary combination rather demonstrated significant hepato-protective feature.