Cyanide-Induced Metabolic Stress- The role of Aframomum sceptrum Aqueous Extract (ASAE)

Abstract

This study explored the ability of Aframomum sceptrum aqueous extract (ASAE) to mitigate the virulence of cyanide poisoning. Thirty (30) male albino rats all eight weeks old weighing between 100g and 160g included the subjects for this study. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of 5 rats per group and treated for 28 days. The six groups included; the normal control, cyanide control, and treatment with 10mg/Kg -1 and 20mgKg -1 weight ASAE post-cyanide administration (9mg/Kg 1 KCN) respectively. There was remarkable drop (p<0.05) in PCV, Hb, and TP, ALB, levels in serum and liver of cyanide intoxicated rats. Also observed were rising (p<0.05) levels of liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT, and ALP) in serum and liver tissue and decreased serum/tissue enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT and GPx) linked to cyanide. Also maintained in the untreated rats relative to control were notable drop
(p<0.05) in Glutathione (GSH) and rising malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. ASAE treatment at doses of 10mg/Kg -1 and 20mg/Kg -1 body weight improved all biochemical parameters and reversed tissue structural changes to near normality. The study suggests that ASAE may hold levels of potency for managing cyanide virulence.