Sub-acute hepatotoxicity of Pausinystalia yohimbe bark extract (Burantashi) in male albino rats (Rattus novergicus)

Abstract

Background: Burantashi (Yohimbe in English)(Pausinystalia yohimbe=Corynanthe yohibi) (Family, Rubiaceae) is a true aphrodisiac used as a possible treatment for organic, psychogenic and substance induced erectile impotence and other male sexual dysfunctions. It increases blood flow to erectile tissues and exerts its erectogenic effects through a central action and peripheral autonomic nervous system effects.
Aim: This study was carried out to examine the hepatotoxicity and cellular deleterious effects of Pausinystalia yohimbe bark ethanolic extract used as burantashi at varying concentrations.
Materials and Methods: This study was experimental in design following 30 days oral administration of burantashi at 2 days intervals in 30 male albino rats (Rattus novergicus), with an average weight of 202.26g and were assigned to 5 groups of 6 rats per cage. The rats were housed in a well-ventilated wire-bottom steel cage with ambient temperature of 27±2°C. Food and water were provided ad libitum. All rats were sacrificed by Chloroform (anesthetization), excised organs were grossed and cut at 3-5mm, while 3-5μm sections were obtained using the rotary microtome and subsequently stained with Mayer’s haematoxylin and eosin method to demonstrate the general tissue structure of the liver in particular and some selected internal organs. Sections were examined using the light microscope.
Results: The results showed a progressive reduction in body weight of rats treated with P. yohimbe bark extract. Gross examination revealed that liver weight (LW) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in a dose-related manner. Hepatocellular injury as a result of dose-related hepatotoxicity was observed in rats treated with higher doses. Meanwhile, selected organs (pancreas, spleen, testes, lungs and heart) showed no alterations in their weights and the histological sections taken from the were normal limits.
Conclusion: This study suggests that indiscriminate consumption of burantashi for a long duration may exert similar hepatotoxic effects in man.

Keywords: Burantashi, hepatotoxicity, impotence, Yohimbine and P. yohimbe.