Ameliorative Effect of Chrysophyllum Albidum on Urea and Creatinine Activities in Rats Intoxicated With Cyanide

ABSTRACT Cyanide is a potent toxin that can have severe deleterious health effects through inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase and increased oxidative stress. Chronic low-dose cyanide exposure is associated with organ damage, kidney dysfunction, and impaired growth. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of African star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum) leaf extracts against chronic cyanide intoxication in a rat model by assessing growth rate and kidney function markers. Rats were divided into control, cyanide-only, cyanide + thiosulfate, and cyanide + C. albidum extract groups. Cyanide was administered 3 times weekly for 4 weeks. C. albidum leaf extracts were given at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. Cyanide exposure significantly impaired weight gain compared to controls. However, C. albidum extracts mitigated these effects, improving weight gain. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also markedly increased by cyanide, indicating kidney damage. Again, C. albidum normalized these kidney function markers. Effects were comparable to the conventional cyanide antidote thiosulfate. These results demonstrate that C. albidum leaf extracts have the potential to alleviate the toxic effects of chronic cyanide exposure. The extracts improved growth rate and preserved renal function in the presence of cyanide, validating the traditional medicinal uses of this plant.