Safety evaluation of Bon-santé cleanser ® polyherbal in male Wistar rats: Further investigations on androgenic and toxicological profile

Abstract

BackgroundThe global increase in acceptance and use of herbal remedies in recent times is still accompanied with poor knowledge of their potential adverse effects and the toxicological implications of their use are underestimated.MethodsBon-santé Cleanser® (BSC), a polyherbal containing Anogeissus leiocarpus, Terminalia ivorensis, Massularia acuminate and Macuna pruriens, is an “energizer and hormone booster”. We assessed the effect of BSC on reproductive function after administration for 60 days in male Wistar rats. Rats (150–300 g) were assigned into four groups of 8/group. Control received distilled water (10 ml/kg) while other groups received BSC 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day p.o. respectively. Animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation and samples collected for analysis.ResultsBSC (250 mg/kg) elevated (p < 0.05) follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels respectively. BSC decreased sperm motility and the live-dead ratio at 1000 mg/kg and reduced reproductive hormone at 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg respectively. BSC at 500 mg/kg increased (p < 0.05, F = 3.18–13.21) testicular reduced glutathione level (50.3%) and catalase (43.7%) but not activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and malondialdehyde level. Further, BSC influenced Mg, Zn, Cu, P, Mn, Ni and Fe levels (p < 0.05). BSC (1000 mg/kg) decreased testis weight (p < 0.05) and induced mild inflammation characterized by atrophic tubules.ConclusionOverall, our data suggest BSC at low doses may increase reproductive hormones regulated by FSH and LH as observed in this study. However, BSC administration should be done with caution as it may induce reproductive toxicity in large doses.

Aphrodisiac Potential of Methanol Root Extract of Hunteria umbellata in Male Wistar Rats

“…25 Decrease in inter-copulatory efficacies are signals of constant upsurge in sexual action and aphrodisiac effect intrinsic to these reports. 26 From this present study, the methanol root extract of H. umbellata elicited an increase in sexual ability. This study is in line with the report of Tajuddin et al, 27 on aphrodisiac property of the seeds extract of Allium tuberosum with a significant decrease in male animals for 21 days across the following indexes: IL, PEI and ML with an increase in IF, EL and MF.…”

Lipid Peroxidation and the Redox Effects of Polyherbal

“…Increasing the dose of BS was associated with significantly reduced sperm motility, live-dead ratio, testis weight, and cause mild inflammation in the vital organs testis in the animals [40]. There was diminishing return as higher doses did not exert any significantly different change in the level of body hormones which could cause the negative feedback effect on the anterior pituitary [33]. Further, this PH demonstrates the potential to induce LPO of the testicular origin or promote the generation of free radicals in vivo.…”

Research Progress of Male Reproductive Toxicity of Chinese Materia Medicas

“…It can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and induce apoptosis of cancer cells [73] by inhibiting nucleotide reductase and reducing the activity of DNA synthesis rate-limiting enzyme. After 60 days of taking 450mg/kg Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch extract [74], the testicular tissue structures of rats undergo remarkable deterioration. Atrophy of seminiferous tubules and hyperplasia of connective tissues can be seen.…”