Abstract

Cyanide is one of the most rapidly lethal poisons known to man and the consumption of plant products with cyanogenic glycosides is a primary source of cyanide poisoning in humans. Its effect on humans is predominantly treated with synthetic antidotes which are costly, of which the use of natural plant extracts presents a cheaper alternative. This study thus investigated the protective effects of Andrographis paniculate leaf extracts against cyanide-induced toxicity in rats. Thirty-five male wistar rats were divided into seven groups of five rats. The rats were fed with different formulations Group 1: normal control (was maintained on a standard diet), Group 2: negative control (normal untreated rats + 3mgKCN/kg of cyanide), Group 3:660 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate, Group 4: 100 mg/kg A. paniculata leaf extract, Group 5: 200 mg/kg A. paniculata leaf extract, Group 6: 3 mg KCN/kg + 100 mg/kg A. paniculata leaf extract, Group 7: 3 mg KCN/kg + 200 mg/kg A. paniculata leaf extract) and arranged in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Renal markers (Urea, Creatinine, Sodium, Potassium and Chloride electrolytes), liver enzymes (Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, aand Alkaline phosphatase), antioxidant status (Superoxide dismutase, malonaldehyde, catalase, and reduced glutathione of the liver and kidneys of the rats were assayed using standard procedures. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and means were separated using Duncan multiple range test at 5% significant level. The results indicated that cyanide caused significant (p<0.05) hepatoxicity and nephrotoxicity, as evidence by elevated levels of the liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and renal markers (urea and creatinine). Additionally, the extract boosted antioxidant defence as demonstrated by increase activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione. Application of 3 mg KCN/kg + 100 mg/kg and and 3 mg KCN/kg + 200 mg/kg A. paniculata leaf extract was effective in mitigating the effect of cyanide in wistar rats. The study indicated that ethanolic leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata conferred protection to the kidney and liver of rats against chronic cyanide toxicity by ameliorating renal indices and up regulating antioxidant response.