Phytochemistry and Toxicity of three different Herbal Bitters (G. Winco, 1960 roots and Confam) on the Lungs of Wister Albino Rats

This study evaluates the phytochemistry and toxicity of three different herbal bitters (G. Winco, 1960 roots and Confam) on the lungs of Wister albino rats. A total of forty (40) Wister albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups labeled A, B, C and D and kept in a well ventilated room. Group A served as control and these rats were treated with distilled water. Rats in the groups B, C and D were treated with 3 different doses of the bitters (20, 30 and 40mL/Kgbw) respectively. The drugs were administered once daily for 10 and 21days consecutively. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected into heparinized sample bottles for analysis. Phytochemistry done showed the presence of kaempferol, epicatehin, catechin and quinine amongst other components in varying amounts. Histopathological changes were found in all the bitters at the highest concentrations of 40ml/kg when used for both 10 days and 21 days. This shows that both short term and long term use of large quantities of herbal bitters affects the lungs negatively subsequently reducing gaseous exchange across the respiratory membrane