Protective effect of Lyophilized Aqueous Extract of Basella alba Vegetable on Heamatological indices and selected Organs of Cyanide Induced Toxicity in Rats

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VII, Issue V, May 2020 | ISSN 2321–2705

 Protective effect of Lyophilized Aqueous Extract of Basella alba Vegetable on Heamatological indices and selected Organs of Cyanide Induced Toxicity in Rats

Dada Abiodun O.^1*, Okareh Oladapo T.², Adewumi Michael O.³ , Ogunyemi Kayode M.^4
1,3,4School of Environmental Health Studies,College of Health Sciences and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
²Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author

Abstract: – The protective effect of lyophilised aqueous extract of Basella alba (BA) vegetable on cyanide induced toxicity in rats was investigated. Twenty, 3weeks old male wistar strain albino rats were randomly distributed into one control and three treatment groups of five rats each; control group (no cyanide, no extract), group 2, treated with 3mg/kg body weight cyanide (CN only), group 3, treated with 3mg/kg body wt. cyanide and equivalent amount(3mg/kg body wt.) of extract (CN+BA) and group 4, treated with 3mg/kg body wt. ofextract only(BA only) were used for the investigation.Cyanide toxicity(when compared with the control) reduced food and water intake, while the food intake was improved in group 3 which was treated with equivalent concentration of cyanide and extract(CN+BA). Biochemical analysis of  liver enzymes showed that cyanide (CN only) damaged the liver as there was significantly elevated activity of Aspartate aminotranferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase(ALT) which were considerably decreased by Basella alba. Heamatological analysis indicated a significant reduction in PCV, RBC and Hb of group treated with cyanide(CN only). The reduction effects were considerably cancelled by basella alba in the group treated with equivalent concentration of cyanide and extract(CN+BA). Lyophilized aqueous extracts of Basella alba showed good potentials as a safe antidote for cyanide toxicity when administered concominantly with sub-lethal dose of cyanide.

Keywords: Lyophilized, Basella alba, Cyanide toxicity

INTRODUCTION

Hydrogen cyanide (a colourless gas) and potassium cyanide (a solid) are common examples of cyanides. Cyanides enter air, water, and soil from natural processes (e.g. volcanoes, wildfire and microbiological activities) and industrial activities (e.g. electroplating, gold mining, production of textiles and plastics, etc.) (Johnny, 2015). It is a potential suicidal, homicidal and chemical warfare agent, and can be used for military or terrorism purposes. Occupational exposure, ingestion of cyanide-containing foods and combined inhalation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and carbon monoxide (CO) in fire smoke contribute to cyanide toxicity (Baskin, 2001).

Read More