Acalypha wilkesiana (Copper leaf) Leaves Alters Acute Cyanide Induced Hepatoxicity in Wister Rats

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to ascertain the possible ameliorating potential of Acalyphaw ilkesiana (subsp. macrophylla) methanolic leaf extract on cyanide induced hepatotoxicity and haemato toxicity in Wister rats. A total of 35Wister rats weighing between 100 and 150g were apportioned into 7 groups at random, each containing 5 rats. Group 1: negative control, received no treatment; group 2 and 3 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of A. wilkesiana crude extract respectively; group 4: received cyanide only (positive control); group 5: received cyanide and 660 mg/kg sodium thiosulphate (standard group); group 6 and7 received 200 and 400 mg/kg of crude extract of A. wilkesiana respectively. The result indicates that methanolic extract of A.wilkesiana irrespective of the concentration significantly reduced ALT, AST, and ALP activities in the rats induced with cyanide when compared with the positive control. However, Albumin and Total Protein concentrations were significantly increased in the treated Groups when compared with the positive control. In conclusion, Acalypha wilkesiana leaves were able to ameliorate cyanide induced hepatotoxicity comparable to standard cyanide antidotes in Wister rats.

Keywords

• Cyanide;
• toxicity;
• hepatotoxicity;
• Acalypha wilkesiana