Original R
esearch Article
Toxicological Profiles of Commercial Herbal Preparation,
Jobelyn®
Joshua F Eniojukan1* and Bolajoko A Aina2
1Department
of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island,
Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
2Department
of Clinical Pharmacy & Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy,
University of Lagos, Idiaraba, Lagos, Nigeria.
*For
Correspondence:
Tel:
+234-805-4104203
Email:
jofeniojukan@gmail.com
Received:
12-Dec-09 Revised: 27-Jun-09
Accepted: 30-Dec-09
International Journal of Health Research,
December
2009; 2(4):
369-374
Abstract
PURPOSE: Jobelyn® is a commercial
herbal product recommended for the management of anemia
related illnesses. Despite its wide use, there is
limited report on its toxicological profile. This study
examined the acute and short-term chronic toxicity
profiles of the product with emphasis on the LD50,
gross morphological and histopathological effects.
METHODS: Albino mice (mean weight: 16.45±3.14g)
were used in this study. For acute toxicity, graded
concentrations of Jobelyn® were administered
orally and intraperitoneally as single doses to the
mice. Intraperitoneal administration of sub-lethal doses
daily for 14 days was adopted for the short-term chronic
toxicity studies.
RESULTS: The LD50 following oral and
intraperitoneal administration were 215.06 mg/kg (r =
0.916) and 193.37 mg/kg (r = 0.995), respectively. The
major behavioral/ morphological effects at high doses
were reduction in motor activity, piloerection and
sedation. The sub-lethal doses did not significantly
modify the normal behavioral repertoire of licking,
grooming and sniffing. Histopathological examination
also did not indicate severe pathological changes. At
the lethal doses, some degree of congestion was noticed
in the lung, liver splenic and kidney tissues.
Short-term chronic studies did not produce further toxic
effects but transient mild sedation and piloerection and
histopathological examination revealed only mild
congestion in the organs. No death of the animals was
recorded during the period of sub-chronic toxicity
assessment.
CONCLUSION: Jobelyn® is likely to be
safe for use in humans when administered at recommended
doses.
Keywords: Jobelyn, safety profile, LD50,
toxicity.
