The Effects of Goko Cleanser on the Hypothalamus and Pancreatic Histomorphology in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract The widespread use of herbal mixtures has grown substantially in recent years, driven largely by the perception that plant-based remedies are safe, natural, and capable of providing multiple therapeutic benefits. Herbal formulations such as Goko Cleanser are commonly consumed to manage conditions including diabetes, fever, gastrointestinal disturbances, joint pains, and appetite regulation. Despite these perceived advantages, concerns remain regarding the potential toxic effects of these products on vital organs, particularly when consumed in high doses or over extended periods. In this context, careful scientific evaluation is essential to determine both the efficacy and safety of such herbal preparations. This study investigated the effects of Goko Cleanser on hypothalamic oxidative stress markers and the histomorphology of the pancreas in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty rats weighing between 160 g and 250 g were selected for the experiment and randomly assigned into four experimental groups (G1–G4) based on their body weight to ensure uniformity across treatments. Group 1 (G1) served as the control and received 10 ml/kg of normal saline or distilled water orally. Group 2 (G2) received 1000 mg/kg of Goko Cleanser, Group 3 (G3) received 1500 mg/kg, and Group 4 (G4) received 2000 mg/kg orally. Treatments were administered daily over a period of 21 days to evaluate both subacute and potential cumulative effects of the herbal mixture.Results from the study demonstrated that oxidative stress markers in the hypothalamus, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across the experimental groups. These findings suggest that, within the duration and dosage used, Goko Cleanser did not elicit substantial oxidative damage in the hypothalamic tissue, although minor adaptive responses in antioxidant activity were observed. Glucose levels also remained largely stable across all groups, indicating that the herbal formulation did not significantly impair pancreatic endocrine function during the study period. However, body weight of the experimental rats increased significantly (P < 0.05) over the course of the study, with the most notable gains occurring in the first week of treatment. This suggests that Goko Cleanser may influence energy metabolism and nutrient assimilation, possibly through mild effects on appetite regulation or glucose utilization. Histological analysis of pancreatic tissue revealed dose-dependent alterations. At higher doses, particularly in groups 3 and 4, evidence of pancreatic tissue inflammation and subtle structural changes, such as loosely packed Langerhans islets and focal fatty changes in interlobular connective tissue, were observed. These alterations point to potential disruptions in both endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas, which could have long-term metabolic implications if the herbal mixture is consumed in large quantities or over prolonged periods. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that while Goko Cleanser does not significantly affect hypothalamic oxidative stress or glucose levels in the short term, prolonged or high-dose administration may pose risks to pancreatic tissue integrity and overall metabolic function. These findings underscore the importance of caution in the therapeutic use of Goko Cleanser. Keywords: Goko Cleanser, Hypothalamus, Pancreas, Oxidative Stress, Histomorphology, Wistar Rats