Protective Effects of Quercetin on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Cyanide in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Increased generation of reactive oxygen species has been reported during cyanide exposure, and quercetin, a flavonoid present in onions, has been proven to protect against it. Following sub-acute cyanide exposure, the protective effect of quercetin was investigated in the livers of rats in this study. Thirty male Wistar rats were grouped into 5 groups (n=6). Group 1 was administered conoil (control). Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were administered 7mgKCN/kgbwt/day, 60mg quercetin/kgbwt/day, 60mg Quercetin/kgbwt/day + 7mgKCN/kgbwt/day, and 600mg Na₂S₂O₃/kgbwt/day+ 7mgKCN/kg bwt/day respectively for 2 weeks. Groups 4 and 5 were pre-administered with 600mg Na₂S₂O₃/kg bwt/day and 60mgQuercetin/kgbwt/day respectively for 2 weeks. Activities of enzymes; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in serum were measured as indicators of liver function. Liver malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant parameters were assessed as indices of oxidative stress. When cyanide-treated rats were compared to control rats, serum ALT, AST, GGT, and liver MDA were considerably higher. Antioxidant parameters decreased significantly as a result of this. When quercetin and Na₂S₂O₃ were given together, the liver function indices, liver MDA, and antioxidant markers all improved. Finally, the findings imply that quercetin protects the liver against cyanide-induced oxidative stress. These might be linked to an increase in the antioxidant state of the liver in cyanide-exposed rats