Abstract

Cyanide poisoning occurs when a living organism is exposed to a compound that produces cyanide ions (CN−) when dissolved in water. Kuding leaves are Chinese leaves used for weight control. Aqueous extract of kuding leaves was assessed for its effect on cyanide-induced toxicity and packed cell volume (PCV) in Wistar rats. Group A was administered 1% Tween-80 at 5 ml/kg. Group B was not induced but received 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract only, Group C received 3 mg/kg of cyanide without treatment, Group D received 200 mg/kg of the extract, Group E received 300 mg/kg of the extract, and Group F received 400 mg/kg of the extract. PCV was determined using automated haematology analyzer (Mindray-BC-28000). A significant reduction (p>0.05) in weight was observed for the group that received only 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract and the group that received only 3 mg/kg body weight of cyanide for two weeks when compared  with the control group. The test groups showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) in weight after four weeks of administration when compared with the control group. The dose of 3 mg/kg of cyanide and 200 mg/kg of the extract showed 6.4% increase in PCV. The dose of 3 mg/kg of cyanide and 300 mg/kg body weight of the extract showed 3.5% decrease in PCV, while 3 mg/kg of cyanide and 400 mg/kg of the extract showed 31.5% decrease in PCV after four weeks. The results obtained suggest that the aqueous extract of kuding leaves at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight is effective in healing cyanide-induced toxicity in Wistar rats without reducing their PCV.

Key words: Body weight, cyanide-induced toxicity, Kuding leaves, packed cell volume (PCV), cyanide ion (CN-).