Sub-Acute Toxicological Evaluation of An Artemesia-Based Moringa Supplement (AMS)

Abstract

Background: In developing nations, several natural medicine practitioners explore the use of plant-based supplements and other forms of phytotherapies to combat viral infection via immune-boosting mechanisms. One such supplement is a locally compounded and consumed Moringa supplement containing artemisia annua and named, artemisia-based Moringa supplement (AMS).  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a sub-acute (30 days) administration of AMS on the toxicological indices in albino Wistar rats of both sexes.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two albino Wistar rats (170-220 g) were randomly assigned into four experimental groups: Group 1, served as control, while Groups 2-4 were administered 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day of AMS consecutively for 30 days. The animals were anesthetized, and cardiac puncture was used to obtain whole blood for hematology and serum biochemistry. The in vivo liver antioxidant assays were also carried out on the liver homogenates.

Results: There were no adverse hematological effects because of AMS treatment. Serum electrolytes levels were not affected across the doses of AMS administered for 30 days. Creatinine levels were not significantly altered, however a significant (p = 0.037) reduction in urea level was observed in the highest dose of 500 mg/kg.  Liver function assays showed no significant alterations in the liver function enzymes, although, a significant decrease in the liver malonaldehyde (MDA, product of lipid peroxidation) level was observed. There was no adverse effect on kidney function parameters and serum lipid profile.

Conclusion/ Recommendations: The artemisia-based polyherbal supplement seems to be relatively safe at the doses considered for this experiment. However, further safety studies will be required to ascertain more detailed organ safety.