Safety evaluation of an anti-haemorrhoid (pile) herbal recipe (locally called ‘agbo jedi-jedi’) of southwestern Nigeria using animal genetic assays

Abstract

Background In this study, an anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe containing bark of Alstonia boonei and dried cloves - Syzygium aromaticum was investigated for cytogenotoxicity, mutagenicity and histopathological effects following the micronucleus and sperm morphology assays using Swiss albino rats. The rats were administered anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe at 25.0%, 50.0% and 100.0%, while distilled water and 0.05% sodium azide were the negative and positive controls, respectively. Phytochemicals in the herbal recipe were elucidated using the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) techniques. Results In the treated rats, there was increase in body weight, cells division inhibition, micronucleated erythrocytes (MNPCEs & MNNCEs) and abnormal sperm cells were significantly induced at 100.0% (P < 0.05), whereas 25.0% promoted cell division. The herbal recipe at 50.0% and 100.0% did not cause any histopathological damages on the liver, kidney and testis except 25.0%. Polyphenolics, terpenoids and alkaloids were detected in the anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe which could be cytotoxic, clastogenic and spermatotoxic at a high concentration (100.0%). Conclusion These results necessitate regulation and control of consumption of this anti-haemorrhoid herbal recipe by people through the authorized government agencies in Nigeria.