Mutagenicity and Acute Oral Toxicity Test for Herbal Poultry Feed Supplements

Abstract

Herbal products are being used and trusted globally for thousands of years for their health benefits and limited side effects. Globally, a general belief amongst the consumers is that herbal supplements are always safe because they are “natural.” But later, research reveals that they may not be safe. This raises concern on their safety and implications for their use as feed supplement or medicine. Toxicity testing can reveal some of the risks that may be associated with use of herbs, therefore avoiding potential harmful effects. The present study was designed to investigate five poultry feed supplements (PFS), EGMAX® (to revitalize ovarian activity), FEED-X™ (feed efficiency enhancer), KOLIN PLUS™ (natural replacer of synthetic choline chloride), PHYTOCEE® (natural defence enhancer), and STODI® (to prevent and control loose droppings), for their possible mutagenicity and toxicity. Bacterial reverse mutation (BRMT) and acute oral toxicity tests were employed to assess the PFS for their possible mutagenicity and toxicity. Results indicated that the PFS were devoid of mutagenic effects in BRMT and showed higher safety profile in rodent acute oral toxicity test.

Withania somnifera Chemical Constituents’ In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters

“…So concern related to the safety of medicinal plants is becoming one of the emerging interests for researchers and the investigation of toxic aspects of herbs that might be associated with their usage, therefore, avoiding potential harmful effects. 50 The results of cytotoxic activity suggested that the selected medicinal plant has significant ( P <.05) membrane-stabilizing (antihemolytic) potential. The safety of W. somnifera regarding toxicity, side effects and dosing is not yet well established, so the current study was the first time to explore the in vitro cytotoxic potential.…”

Phytochemical Constituents and In vitro Pharmacological Response of Cnidium monnieri; A Natural Ancient Medicinal Herb

“… 26 The concern related to the safety of medicinal plants is becoming one of the emerging interests for researchers and the investigation of toxic aspects of herbs that might be associated with their usage, therefore avoiding potential harmful effects. 27 The results of mutagenicity test explored that selected medicinal plant did not possess mutagenic activity or in other words selected natural herb is non-mutagenic in nature. According to literature review, this was the first time that selected medicinal plant was screened out for the mutagenic activities.…”