HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF CHRONIC CONSUMPTION OF ACTION BITTERS ON THE LUNGS, LIVER AND KIDNEYS OF ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Introduction: Action bitters, commonly used in traditional medicine, have an unclear safety profile and potential effects on lung, liver, and kidney tissues. This experimental study investigated the histological effects of action bitters on the lungs, liver, and kidney tissues of adult male Wistar rats. Understanding these effects is crucial, as it can provide insights into the safety and potential risks associated with the use of action bitters in traditional medicine. Methodology: A total of 18 adult male rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into three groups, each consisting of six rats (n = 6). Group A served as the normal control group, receiving no action bitters. Group B was administered 10% of the lethal dose 50 (LD50) of action bitters, equivalent to 0.66 ml/kg. Group C received 5% of the LD50, equivalent to 0.33 ml/kg. The administration of action bitters continued for 28 days. After this period, lung and kidney tissues were harvested and examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: The results of the study showed no significant histological changes or inflammation in the lung and kidney tissues of all groups. This indicates that, under the conditions of this experiment, the administration of action bitters did not cause observable damage or alterations in the histology of these organs. However, it is important to note that these findings are specific to the conditions and dosages used in this study, and further research is needed to confirm these results across different conditions and dosages. Conclusion: The study suggests that action bitters may have a limited impact on the histology and function of the lungs, liver, and kidneys. These findings contribute to our understanding of the safety profile of action bitters, indicating that, at least at the tested doses, they do not cause significant histological damage to these organs. However, the study also highlights the need for further research to fully define the effects of action bitters on lung, liver, and kidney tissues.