Toxicological evaluation of Jinja™: A Local Herbal Mixture (LHM)

The Local Herbal Mixture (LHM), a polyherbal formulation comprising Carpolobia alba, Cnestis ferruginea, and Heliotropium indicum, is traditionally employed in Nigeria for the management of piles, infections, and detoxification. Despite widespread use, scientific evidence supporting its safety remains limited. This study assessed the acute and subacute toxicity of LHM in Wistar rats to determine its safety profile. Acute toxicity testing revealed no mortality or behavioral abnormalities at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight, indicating an LD?? greater than this threshold. In the subacute study, rats were administered 50-200 mg/kg of LHM daily for 28 days. No adverse effects were observed on body weight gain or general health status. Biochemical analyses revealed no significant (p>0.05) alterations in liver enzymes, renal function markers, lipid profile, or antioxidant parameters. However, at higher doses, significant changes (p<0.05) were noted in levels of creatinine, sodium, and glutathione, suggesting possible dose-dependent physiological responses. Histopathological evaluations of liver and kidney tissues confirmed preserved organ architecture, supporting the absence of toxicological damage. These results indicate that LHM is safe for short-term use within the tested dosage range and lend scientific credence to its traditional applications. Nevertheless, the observed biochemical variations at higher doses underscore the need for further research, particularly on long-term toxicity, potential cumulative effects, and interactions with conventional medications. This study provides a foundational toxicological profile that supports the regulatory assessment and informed clinical use of LHM.