Preparation of test substane: Herbal products can be prepared into different dosage forms like capsules, tablets, ointments, creams and pastes. For correct administration of a pre-de‐ fined dose of the product, the product should be quantitatively standardized and adminis‐ tered based on its intended use in humans.
Animal welfare considerations: Guidance on the use of clinical signs as humane end‐ points for experimental animals used in safety evaluation [77] have been reviewed else‐ where and the reader is advised to look it up. In particular paragraph 62 of the guideline thereof, should always be followed. This paragraph states that “In studies in‐ volving repeated dosing, when an animal shows clinical signs that are progressive, lead‐ ing to further deterioration in condition, an informed decision as to whether or not to humanely kill the animal should be made. The decision should include consideration as to the value of the information to be gained from the continued maintenance of that ani‐ mal on study relative to its overall condition. If a decision is made to leave the animal on test, the frequency of observations should be increased, as needed. It may also be possible, without adversely affecting the purpose of the test, to temporarily stop dosing if it will relieve the pain or distress, or reduce the test dose.”
Animals: Different rodent and non-rodent species are used in animal toxicity tests. In chron‐ ic studies, justification is often required for choice of specie or strain of animals used. All an‐ imals should be housed in acceptable environmental conditions and adequately catered for in accordance with stipulated guidelines