KIDNEY FUNCTION PARAMETERS,

Herbal medicines are increasingly used globally, yet comprehensive safety data for many traditional preparations remain limited. This study evaluated the sub-acute toxicity of Miracle Seed Ultima® (MSU), a commercially available herbal product, on kidney function, hematological parameters, and glucose metabolism in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats weighing 120-170g were randomly divided into four groups (n=5): Group 1 (control) received distilled water, while Groups 2, 3, and 4 received MSU at 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 1000 ix mg/kg body weight respectively via oral gavage daily for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study for assessment of renal function markers (urea, creatinine, electrolytes), complete blood counts, red cell indices, and fasting blood glucose levels. Key findings revealed significant reductions in plasma urea concentrations in groups receiving 300 mg/kg (74.85±6.3 mg/dL) and 1000 mg/kg (68.62±2.9 mg/dL) compared to controls (102.72±5.7 mg/dL), with p < 0.05. Plasma creatinine showed significant differences in the 100 mg/kg group (2.12±0.1 mg/dL) compared to controls (2.79±0.1 mg/dL). However, all electrolyte parameters (sodium, potassium, chloride) remained within normal physiological ranges across all groups. Non-statistically significant differences were observed in all hematological parameters (p > 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels remained normal across all treatment groups. The findings indicate a relatively favorable safety profile for MSU at the tested doses, with no evidence of overt nephrotoxicity, hematotoxicity, or metabolic disturbances. The observed reductions in plasma urea and creatinine may reflect enhanced renal clearance rather than toxicity. These results support the short-term safety of MSU at therapeutic doses.