Background: Yoyo Bitters is an indigenous polyherbal preparation widely consumed in Nigeria. In spite of its wide consumption there is little scientific data on the safety/toxicity profile of Yoyo Bitters. This study determined the biochemical effect of daily administration of Yoyo Bitters on rat serum, kidney and liver.
Methods: A total of 20 Wistar rats, of average weight between 175 and 200 g, were randomly distributed into four groups of five rats each. Group A served as controls and received distilled water. Groups B, C and D were given Yoyo Bitters at various dosages. Treatments were orally administered for 28 days.
Results: Yoyo Bitters caused lipid peroxidation as reflected in serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels which were significantly (p<0.05) elevated in a dose-dependent manner. In groups treated with 1206.5 mg and 804.3 mg/kg dosages of Yoyo Bitters, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were also significantly (p<0.05) increased. By contrast, Yoyo Bitters caused a dose-dependent reduction in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. It is not clear if free radicals or lipid peroxidation caused changes in SOD and GSH levels. However, Yoyo Bitters may have enhanced free radical generation and ensuing lipid peroxidation leading to increased SOD and subsequent dose-dependent depletion of GSH levels.
Conclusions: In light of this, caution and adherence to dosage prescription is strongly advised. This study is a contribution to scientific knowledge on the safety/toxicity profile of Yoyo Bitters among the growing list of Nigerian herbal remedies.