Ficus Capensis Modulates Oxidative Stress Parameters in Cyanide Induced Rats

Abstract

The sub-acute effect of F. capensis was assessed on the oxidative stress markers in the kidney of rats following exposure to cyanide. These effects were compared to those of sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3), a classical antidote of cyanide toxicity. The rats were divided into 9 groups of 5 animals each. Group 1: rats (normal control); Group 2: rats were exposed to 3mg/kg of cyanide; group 3: cyanide induced rats that received 660mg/kg sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate and 6.6 mg/kg sodium nitrite; group 4 and 5: rats exposed to cyanide, pre-treated with 200 and 400mg/kg extract respectively; group 6 and 7: rats were exposed to cyanide, post-treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg extract respectively; group 8 and 9: rats exposed to cyanide, co-treated with 200 and 400mg/kg extract respectively. The study lasted for 28 days after which the rats were sacrificed and kidney homogenates were collected for biochemical assays. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in Groups 2 rats (367.99±17.73 Units/g tissue) was significantly increased in the kidney relative to the control (148.92±4.50 Units/g tissue). This was accompanied with a decrease in antioxidant enzymes Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) (7.81±2.45 Units/g of tissue), Catalase (CAT) (34.33±1.73 Units/g of tissue), compared with the control (16.18±0.42 units/g of tissue) and 64.82±8.91 units/g tissue respectively. Pre-administration of F. capensis extract significantly increased these antioxidant enzymes and significantly decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde in the kidney better than post and co-treatment. The results indicate that Pre-treatment with F. capensis extract reduced lipid peroxidation in the kidney and increased antioxidant status of animals exposed to cyanide and was more effective at 400 mg/kg dose.