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

Abstract

Background: The 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.

Methods: Bon-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.

Results: BSC (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.

Conclusion: Overall, 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.

Keywords: Biological elements; Bon-santé Cleanser® capsule; Herbal capsule; Male reproductive function; Toxicology.

Graphical abstract

Fig. 1

Effect of subchronic administration of Bon-santé cleanser^® polyherbal formula on testicular total protein levels and antioxidant activity. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05 when compared with control distilled water group. TP: Total protein; CAT: Catalase; GST: Glutathione-S-transferase; DW: Distilled water; BSC: Bon-santé cleanser^®.

Fig. 2

Effect of subchronic administration of Bon-santé cleanser^® polyherbal formula on testicular antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation. Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05 when compared with control group. Superoxide dismutase; GSH: Reduced glutathione; MDA = Malondialdehyde; DW = Distilled water; BSC = Bon-santé cleanser^®.

Fig. 3

(A) Control Group (Distilled Water, 10 ml/kg) shows normal testis. (B) BSC (250 mg/kg) shows normal testis. (C) BSC (500 mg/kg) shows normal testis (D) BSC (1000 mg/kg) shows the presence of atrophic seminiferous tubules shrunken in size and devoid of lining spermatogenic series cells and spermatozoa (see arrow). (H & E, mag. x 400). (BSC = Bon-sante Cleanser^®).