Hepatoprotective Effects of Methanolic Salvia officinalis Leaf Extract against Potassium Cyanide-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

• Azukaego Thomas Hughs Mokogwu

  Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

  Author

Background: Cyanide poisoning is a major cause of oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in humans and animals, while effective and affordable therapeutic options remain limited. Salvia officinalis (common sage) is a medicinal plant rich in antioxidant phytochemicals with reported hepatoprotective properties. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of methanolic Salvia officinalis leaf extract against potassium cyanide-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats, using sodium thiosulphate as the reference antidote.

Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6): control, potassium cyanide (7 mg/kg), S. officinalis extract (500 mg/kg), extract plus potassium cyanide, and sodium thiosulphate (600 mg/kg) plus potassium cyanide. Treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Serum liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, total protein, and total bilirubin) and hepatic oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test.

Results: Potassium cyanide significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, total bilirubin, and hepatic malondialdehyde while significantly reducing total protein, reduced glutathione, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Co-administration of S. officinalis extract significantly ameliorated these alterations, restoring liver function and antioxidant status toward normal values. The protective effects were comparable to those of sodium thiosulphate.

Conclusion: Methanolic Salvia officinalis leaf extract exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities against potassium cyanide-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats, suggesting its potential as an affordable natural therapeutic agent. Further studies should investigate its histopathological effects, molecular mechanisms, and long-term safety.

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