Pakistan Journal of Nutrition1680-51941994-7984Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/pjn.2011.1022.1028OgbonniaSteve O. MbakaGodwin O. AnyikaEmmanuel N. EmordiJonathan E. NwakakwaNdubuisi 1120111011The evaluation of the acute and subchronc toxicities of a Nigerian polyherbal tea remedy, prepared with Anthocleista vogelii, Ficus exasperata leaves and Viscum album (mistletoe), was carried out in Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats of both sexes. The lyophilized extract in the dose ranges of 1.0 g to 20.0 g/kg body weight was administered orally to the mice and observed continuously for the first 4 h and hourly for the next 12 h, then 6 hourly for 56 h (72 h, acute toxicity). Wistar rats were also fed with different doses of the lyophilized formulation for 30 days and the effects on some tissues - heart, liver and testes - were histologically evaluated. Also the effects on the biochemical and haematological parameters were evaluated (subchronic toxicity model). The median acute toxicity value (LD50) of the polyherbal tea was determined to be 8.970 g/kg body weight. The tea significantly reduced (p<0.05) plasma glucose and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels, but increased High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol in the treated groups compared to the control. No significant increase in the body weight was observed in the treated groups. Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST) and creatinine levels were not significantly increased while significant decrease in Alanine Aminotransferases (ALT) levels were observed in all the treated groups. The high LD50 value of the drug implies that the drug could be safe in one dose treatment. The study also revealed that the polyherbal tea may have good hypoglycemic effects and favourable reducing effects on the cardiovascular risk factors.]]>Agbor, G.A., M. Oben, D.C. Knight, R.G. Mills, J.J. Bry and P.A. Crag,20054th Edn.,pp: 290-294pp: 290-294Wickramasinghe, M.B.,20062006Burger, C., D.R. Fischer, D.A. Cordenunzzi, A.P. de Borba Batschauer, V.C. Filho and A.R. dos Santos Soares,2005Wedelia paludosa (Acmela brasiliensis) (Asteraceae) in mice.]]>8370373Crook, M.A.,20067th Edn.,Pages: 426Pages: 426Ekaidem, I.S., M.I. Akpanabiatu, F.E. Uboh and O.U. Eka,200612 supplementation: Effects on some biochemical and haematological indices of rats on Phenytoin administration.]]>183137Ghosh, M.N.,19842nd Edn.,pp: 154-158pp: 154-158Horder, M. and E.J. Sampson,199129435456Hussain, H.E.M.A.,2002Curcumin from Curcuma longa, Linn and partially purified product from Abroma augusta, Linn. in streptozotocin induced diabetes.]]>173343ILAR,19961996Joshi, C.S., E.S. Priya and S. Venkataraman,200753245249Klaasen, C.D., M.O. Amdur and J. Doull,19958th Edn.,pp: 13-33pp: 13-33McKnight, D.C., R.G. Mills, J.J. Bray and P.A. Crag,19994th Edn.,pp: 290-294pp: 290-294Mythilypriya, R., P. Shanthi and P. Sachdanandam,200753351358Steve, O.O., I.O. Joy and N.E. Veronica,2008Treculia Africana decne and Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam. and their mixture on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.]]>725352539Ogbonnia, S., A.A. Adekunle, M.K. Bosa and V.N. Enwuru,2008Alstonia congensis Engler (Apocynaceae) bark and Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich (Annonaceae) fruits mixtures used in the treatment of diabetes.]]>7701705Ogwal-Okeng, J.W., C. Obua and W.W. Anokbonggo,2003Fagara zanthoxyloides (L.) root-bark.]]>3124126Pieme, C.A., V.N. Penlap, B. Nkegoum, C.L. Taziebou, E.M. Tekwu, F.X. Etoa and J. Ngongang,2006Senna alata (L.) Roxb (Ceasalpiniaceae).]]>5283289Rickert, K., R.R. Martinez and T.T. Martinez,19994212Shah, M.A.A., S.K. Garg and K.M. Garg,199729322324Tedong, L., P.D.D. Dzeufiet, T. Dimo, E.A. Asongalem and D.S. Sokeng et al.,2007Anacardium occidentale Linn (Anacardiaceae) leaves hexane extract in mice.]]>4140147Teguia, A., P.B. Telefo and R.G. Fotso,2007Colocasia esculenta var esculenta) meal.]]>2007Sarko, M.T., C.B. Mary and G.T. Ara,19792nd Edn.,Wasan, K.M., S. Najafi, J. Wong, M. Kwong and P.H. Pritchard,20014228234