Abstract

IN-VIVO STUDIES ON NEPHROTOXICITY OF HABB-E-SURANJAN AN UNANI FORMULATION: A PRE-CLINICAL TRIAL

Sumon Kanti Datta, Md. Abdul Mannan*, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Md. Babul Akter, Md. Awlad Hossain Babu, Shuvo Ranjan Das

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Abstract

Background: Unani medicine, an ancient system of healing, uses various herbal and mineral-based formulations to treat chronic inflammatory conditions. Habb-e-Suranjan is one such polyherbal Unani formulation primarily used for joint pain and gout. Unani philosopher Ibn Sina (980-1037 AD) stated that Suranjan is effective on niqras (gout) and waja-ul-mafasil (joint pain). Another renowned Unani philosopher, Daud Al-Antaki (1543-1599 AD), speculated that Suranjan is very effective for lower back pain, joint pain, and sciatica. The author of the book, Mo’tamad Fil Advia, Ibn Turkumani, mentioned that Suranjan has special positive and curative effects in the treatment of various forms of arthritis, niqras (gout), and numbness. He noted that it relieves pain immediately when applied in the form of zimad (ointment). These three statements support the idea that Habb-e- Suranjan possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, no data have been found regarding its nephrotoxicity with long-term use. For this reason, it is necessary to study the nephrotoxic effects of Habb-e-Suranjan. Methodology: This study investigates the nephrotoxicity of Habb-e-Suranjan in vivo using a controlled animal model, comparing its effects to Diclofenac Sodium, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its potential nephrotoxic side effects. The investigation was conducted in a dose-dependent manner using the Wistar Albino Rat model in a laboratory setting. A total of 25 rats were selected for the study and divided into five groups. An acute oral nephrotoxicity test was carried out, which involved assessing kidney function through biochemical tests such as Serum Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), along with a histopathological examination of the kidneys. Result: The study observed the effects of Habb-e-Suranjan on kidney function and compared them with those of Diclofenac Sodium over different time periods. Biochemical parameters for kidney function tests were observed at weekly intervals. After 28 days, the control group and Habb-e-Suranjan-treated groups (17, 33, and 50 mg/kg body weight) consistently showed normal S. Creatinine and BUN levels, indicating that Habb-e-Suranjan didn't exhibit any nephrotoxic effect at the usual dose. However, the Diclofenac Sodium group (50 mg/kg body weight) demonstrated increased BUN and S. Creatinine levels, especially after 28 days, suggesting potential nephrotoxicity. The histopathological study indicated that Habb-e-Suranjan did not cause any nephrotoxic effects even at doses up to three times higher than the usual dose, while the Diclofenac Sodium (50 mg/kg body weight) group exhibited diffuse and significant nephrotoxic effects after 28 days of administration. Conclusion: Habb-e-Suranjan is safe for the kidneys at the usual dose, whereas Diclofenac Sodium exhibits nephrotoxic effects with long-term use. A large-scale trial is recommended to evaluate and confirm the toxicity of the drug.

Keywords: Nephrotoxicity, Histopathological change, Habb-e-Suranjan, Tablet Diclofenac, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic effects.