Qualitative assessment of herbal formulations is used in pre-health care of many diseases. The potency, composition and safety of herbal formulation are serious concerns in Bangladesh. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the qualitative assessment of a customized anti-hepatic herbal formulation in Bangladesh. Isolation of compounds, toxic metals analysis, phytochemical screening, microbial test and determination of SGPT and SGOT level of hepatic model rats were focused in this study. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenol, saponins and tannins. In chemical study, four known compounds were isolated from the formulation (Sodium benzoate, methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-hyroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxy- 3-methoxybenzaldehyde). The results of microbial purity and toxic metals analysis were in favorable limit although the levels of SGOT and SGPT were raised non-significantly. So, based on the study it has been concluded that quality assessment is urgently required for this type of customized herbal formulations. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(1): 59-67, 2022 (June)

Sodium benzoate (E211) is used as a preservative in several kinds of food. One of the essential uses of E211 is to preserve non-alcoholic carbonated beverages. The amount of sodium benzoate in 17 local soft drink samples was estimated in the present study. The in vivo effects on biochemical aspects of the liver, kidney function, and DNA damage in lymphocytes were also investigated after oral administration of sodium benzoate in rats over 12 days. The control and experimental groups were fed standard pellet diet and distilled water ad libitum; and administered distilled water (control) and different concentrations (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg body weight) of sodium benzoate once daily through a stomach tube (0.5 ml), respectively. The alkaline comet assay was performed to investigate the possible DNA damage induced by E211 in lymphocytes. At the end of the experiment, after overnight fasting the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Animals showed no significant weight loss or gain. The investigation revealed that twelve samples contained a higher level, and the rest had trace or below the recommended maximum permitted concentration (150 mg/l) of E211 as a preservative in the soft drinks. The percentage of tail DNA (p < 0.01) and olive tail movement (p < 0.05) was significantly increased in lymphocytes that were treated with high concentration (120 mg/kg body weight) of sodium benzoate, indicated substantially higher DNA damage (3.5 times) in lymphocytes compared to control. Moreover, serum AST activity level was increased significantly (p<0.05) in the group treated with a higher dose (120 mg/kg body weight) of E211, indicating malfunction of the liver. The preservative did not significantly affect serum ALT and ALP activity, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea level. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that caution should be adopted for using sodium benzoate as a preservative in various food products. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(3 CSI): 371-383, 2022 (June)

Probiotics can be considered as biological agents that modify the intestinal microbiota as well as show several health benefits. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of probiotics in neonatal STZ-induced type-2 diabetic rats. Following the biochemical analysis of probiotic bacteria, yogurt was prepared using cow milk and used to feed the experimental rats. Probiotic yogurt was supplemented to three rat groups, each with six rats, and the doses were 2 g in PYT1, 4 g in PYT2 and 6 g in PYT3 for 21 days. Fasting serum glucose, serum insulin, lipid profiles and liver glycogen levels were measured to investigate the probiotic effects on type 2 diabetic rats. It was observed that fasting serum glucose levels were significantly lower in case of PYT3 group (p<0.05) whereas a significant (p<0.05) upsurge of serum insulin levels was detected in PYT2 rat group. A significant (p<0.05) decrease in LDL level in PYT2 group and significantly (p<0.05) increased level of HDL was detected in PYT1 and PYT2 rat groups. However, there were no significant differences regarding triglyceride as well as total cholesterol levels among three probiotic yogurt supplemented rat groups. Hepatic glycogen content was 34.5%, 30.9% and 39.1% among the probiotic yogurt feed groups viz. PYT1, PYT2 and PYT3, respectively. Findings of this research suggest that application of probiotic yogurt can help to manage type-2 diabetes. Further study on clinical trial would be worthy to investigate for probiotic-based product improvement for treatment of type-2 diabetic patients.

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