Evaluation and screening of polyherbal formulation for diabetes management: toxicity assessment on Albino Wistar rats

Diabetes remains a global health concern, leading to interest in herbal formulations for safer, effective management. The study screens the polyherbal formulations (PHF 1-5) using Costus pictus, Gymnema sylvestre, and Momordica charantia to identify the most effective synergistic ratio and evaluate the stability and safety as per the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines (423 and 407). PHF-3 exhibited maximum synergistic potential by in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities (α-amylase inhibition - 83.52%, IC₅₀-366.95 μg/ml, and α-glucosidase inhibition - 83.34%, IC₅₀-373.59 μg/ml). PHF-3 was stable in accelerated conditions (40 °C ± 2 °C, 75% ± 5% relative humidity) for 6 months. Acute toxicity evaluation (2000 mg/kg) demonstrated no toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute toxicity (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg-28 days) revealed no adverse behavioural, hematological, or organ-toxicity. With confirmed safety, stability PHF-3 offers potential as a natural therapy for diabetes management.