Evaluating The Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity of Herbal Medicine on Swiss Albino Mice: An In-Vivo, In-vitro and In-Silico Insights

Herbal medicine, also known as botanical medicine or phytotherapy, involves using different parts of plants for medicinal purposes, aiming to inhibit various medical conditions and promote overall safety. The adverse health effects and level of toxicity of herbal medicine are not proven by testing, manufacturing, and labeling standards and regulations according to FDA. This analysis was undertaken to examine the hepato-renal toxicity of Carmina, a well‑known Hamdard herbal formulation that is prescribed for balancing of gastric problem. Swiss albino mice considering between 20–25 gram were utilized for conducting this study. The solution of Carmina was given orally at two different doses (0.5 milliliter per kg and 2.5 milliliter per kg body weight) for fourteen consecutive days. Paracetamol for a single lethal hepato-renal toxic dose and allopathic drugs Maxpro were used for standard. Liver and kidney damage were assessed by measuring the levels of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triglyceride, total protein (TP), bilirubin, albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and urea. Besides, oxidative stress marker (reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase activity) and histopathology analysis were evaluated. Finally, in-silico validation was done by applying Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model. Treatment with Carmina exhibited non-significant difference in enzyme levels and oxidative stress marker as compared with saline control group. Normal cellular level was found in the histopathology examination of liver and kidney tissue. There was a considerable toxicity level were found according to QSAR model validation (r ² & q ² value). Biochemical parameters from serum, histological evaluation, and oxidative stress parameters of liver and kidney tissue substantiated that the studied herbal medicine does not create the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic disorder on experimented animals. However, there was a considerable toxicity were found through in-silico validation, it was concluded that the studied herbal medicine is pharmacologically safe.