Biochemical, oxidative and histological changes caused by sub-acute oral exposure of some synthetic cyanogens in rats: ameliorative effect of α-ketoglutarate.

Time-dependent cyanide generation and acute toxicity of six different cyanogens were reported earlier, out of which malononitrile (MCN), propionitrile (PCN), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were found to be very toxic. We report here 14 d sub-acute toxicity of MCN, PCN, and SNP (oral; 1/10 LD50 daily) in female rats, and its amelioration by α-ketoglutarate (α-KG; oral; 5.26 mmol/kg; +5 min), a potential cyanide antidote.

Aloe vera gel alleviates cardiotoxicity in streptozocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Objectives: Persistent hyperglycaemia results in oxidative stress along with the generation of oxygen free radicals and appears to be an important factor in the production of secondary complications in diabetes. The aim of this work was to evaluate markers of oxidative stress in heart tissue along with the protective, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of 30%Aloe vera gel in diabetic rats.

Methods: Streptozocin was given as a single intravenous injection and 30%Aloe vera gel was given in two doses for 20 days, orally.