The study aimed to evaluate the biosafety of “Makann”, an aqueous bi-herbal formulation of the root extract of Garcinia kola and Carica papaya (BH) on the heart and lungs of adult female albino mice. Garcinia kola and Carica papaya roots were harvested, prepared into a bi-herbal extract (BH), and administered to the test group while the control group received distilled water. Mice were divided into 3 test groups and 3 control groups of 5 animals: single dose 24 h test groups, single-dose 14-day test group, and daily dose 14-day test group. Each test group received 2 g/kg of bi-herbal extract, and the control group received 10 ml/kg of distilled water per mouse orally. General behaviour, clinical signs and body weight were recorded. Blood, heart and lung tissue were collected for haematological and histopathological examinations. No behavioural, body weight or temperature changes were observed in all groups. The platelet and red blood cell counts showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in all BH extract-treated groups. The relative weight of organs showed no significant difference compared with the control group. Photomicrographs revealed normal structural cell architecture as compared with the control groups. The lung in the BH treatment groups showed normal terminal bronchioles and alveolar sacs, as well as normal myocardial fibres, interstitial space, and coronary arteries of the heart. Garcinia kola and Carica papaya roots bi-herbal aqueous extract administered orally to mice at 2 g/kg for 14 days revealed no toxicity and could increase thrombopoiesis and erythropoiesis; further studies are needed to identify the active compounds and their long-term effects.
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109-118
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