Evaluation and screening of polyherbal formulation for diabetes management: toxicity assessment on Albino Wistar rats

Diabetes remains a global health concern, leading to interest in herbal formulations for safer, effective management. The study screens the polyherbal formulations (PHF 1-5) using <i>Costus pictus</i>, <i>Gymnema sylvestre</i>, and <i>Momordica charantia</i> to identify the most effective synergistic ratio and evaluate the stability and safety as per the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines (423 and 407). PHF-3 exhibited maximum synergistic potential by <i>in vitro</i> antioxidant and antidiabetic activities (α-amylase inhibition - 83.52%, IC₅₀-366.95 μg/ml, and α-glucosidase inhibition - 83.34%, IC₅₀-373.59 μg/ml). PHF-3 was stable in accelerated conditions (<i>40 °C</i> ± 2 °C, 75% ± 5% relative humidity) for 6 months. Acute toxicity evaluation (2000 mg/kg) demonstrated no toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute toxicity (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg-28 days) revealed no adverse behavioural, hematological, or organ-toxicity. With confirmed safety, stability PHF-3 offers potential as a natural therapy for diabetes management.