Effect of Indian herbs phyllanthus niruri berberis aristata and achyranthes aspera on first line antitubercular drugs induced toxicity in rats

Abstract

The results of the present study endorsed the fact that the anti-tubercular drugs namely isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide are potentially toxic to Wistar rats when given in combination as proved by different biochemical, hematological and histopathological studies. In addition, these drugs have some genotoxic potential as has been shown by chromosomal, DNA fragmentation and gene expression studies. The gene expression study on NAT, NR1I2, CYP2E1 and CYP7A1 genes carried out in the liver confirmed their role in hepatotoxicity caused by to administration of first-line anti-TB drugs. The present study also suggests that plant extracts play an important role in attenuating anti-tubercular drug-induced toxicity, though their potential may vary. In the present study, plant extracts used were effective in the newlinefollowing order: Polyherbal formulation gt Berberis aristata gt Phyllanthus niruri gt Achyranthes aspera. Finally, the present study confirmed that oxidative stress has been an important mechanism in the toxicity of anti-tubercular drugs in Wistar rats and revealed that polyherbal preparation containing three tested plant extracts in equal ratio exhibits maximum protective efficacy and may be further explored for use as a dietary supplement for patients taking tuberculosis medications. Hence the present study may help the industry to produce a polyherbal supplement with fewer side effects, which is affordable and more effective in the maintenance of normal hepato-renal function during treatment with anti-TB drugs. newline newline