Red Onion Juice (Allium Cepa Linn) and Carica Papaya Seed Extracts Ameliorated the Toxic Effects of Chronic Consumption of Cassava Flakes, On Vision.
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Abstract
This study investigated the impact of chronic consumption of cassava flakes on vision, and the ameliorative potential of Carica papaya seed and red onion on these effects. Cassava flakes, widely consumed in Nigeria, contain cyanogenic glycosides that can lead to cyanide toxicity, resulting in visual impairments. Using an experimental approach, forty Swiss white mice (40-50 g) were randomly divided into four groups of ten mice each. The groups were assigned specific treatments: Group 1 served as the control (distilled water) plus rat feeds, Group 2 received normal rat feed and cassava flakes, Group 3 was treated with normal rat feeds plus cassava flakes plus 4mls/kg of red onion extract, Group 4 received normal rat feeds plus cassava flakes plus 4mls/kg of Carica papaya seed extract. Visual acuity test was done using the Visual Water Maze. Results revealed that mice in the Cassava flakes-only group exhibited significant deficits in visual performance, with corresponding neuronal and retinal damage. Supplementation with Carica papaya seed extract and onion extract ameliorated these effects, improving vision and reducing oxidative stress and tissue damage. These findings underscore the adverse effects of chronic consumption of cassava flakes and highlight the neuroprotective and restorative properties of Carica papaya seed extract and onion juice.
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