EFFECTS OF A POLYHERBAL TEA INFUSION ON BLOOD LIPIDS, FASTING GLUCOSE, AND HAEMATOLOGY IN ALBINO RATS FOLLOWING SUB-CHRONIC EXPOSURE

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of sub-chronic oral administration of polyherbal tea infusions on lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and haematological parameters in albino rats. The tea formulation, packaged in teabags, consisted of green and black tea (Camellia sinensis), ginger rhizome, and clove buds. Thirty albino rats (8–10 weeks old) were randomly assigned into ten groups (n = 3). Group A received water, Groups B–G received varying formulations of the polyherbal infusion, Groups H and I received sweetened preparations, and Group J received a commercially available tea infusion. Treatments were administered orally for 21 consecutive days. Biochemical and haematological analyses revealed formulation-dependent effects. Total cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in several treatment groups, while triglyceride levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in Groups G–I. HDL concentrations increased significantly in selected groups compared to the water control, although values were lower than those observed with the commercial tea. Haematological indices showed improved red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, and platelet counts in multiple treated groups (p < 0.05), suggesting possible hematinic benefits. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin remained unchanged. Fasting blood glucose levels increased significantly in some groups but decreased in others relative to controls. Weight gain was also significantly higher in selected groups. In conclusion, the polyherbal tea formulations demonstrated both beneficial and potentially adverse metabolic effects, depending on composition.