Methanol extract of Allium cepa Linn ameliorate cyanide-induced biochemical alterations in the brain ol Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Cyanide has been reported to induce neurotoxicity by generating reactive oxygen species and reducing antioxidant enzymes. Allium cepa Linn increases the antioxidant status in animals. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Methanol extract of Allium cepa Linn (onion) on the biochemical changes in the brain of male Wister rats exposed to sub-acute doses of cyanide. Methods: Thirty-six male Wister rats (l80-200g) were divided into 6 groups (n=6). Group 1 was administered distilled water, groups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 were administered 600mg onion/kg /day, 7mg KCN/ kg/day, 300mg onion/kg/day+ 7mgK.CN/kg/day, 600mg onion/kg/day+ 7mg KCN/kg/day, 600mg Na, S,0/kg/day+ 7mg KCN/kg/day respectively for 2 weeks. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were pre-administered with 300mg onion/kg/day, 600mg onion/kg/day and 600mg Na, S2 03 /kg/day respectively for 2 weeks prior to co-administration with cyanide. Oxidative stress parameters were estimated in the brain. Results: Malondialdchyde (MDA) level, Reduced Glutathione (GSM) level, Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) in the brain of rats treated with cyanide were significantly higher (p