Attenuation of Potassium Cyanide-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Hematotoxicity by Biogenically Synthesised Silver Nanoparticles (AGNPS) Derived from Carica papaya Seed Extract in Male Wistar Rats

Cyanide is a potent environmental toxin that induces severe hepatotoxicity through the inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to ATP depletion and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The resulting oxidative stress causes hepatocellular damage, systemic inflammation, and hematological dysregulation. This study was conducted to investigate the protective and therapeutic potential of biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from Carica papaya seed extract against cyanide-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Twenty five rats were randomly divided into five groups of five rats each as follows: (I) control group; (II) treated with cyanide; (III) cyanide+ C. papaya AgNPs; (IV) C. papaya AgNPs; (V): cyanide + quercetin. Key parameters including serum liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and hematological indices (RBC, PCV, and WBC) were measured. The results showed that cyanide administration caused a significant elevation of serum ALT and AST levels, indicative of liver damage, and also induced profound hematological changes, including a reduction in RBC, PCV and an increase in WBC counts. Treatment with the C. papaya-derived AgNPs significantly ameliorated these aberrations, restoring liver enzyme levels; however, it has no significant effect on the hematological indices. The protective effects of the biogenic AgNPs were comparable to quercetin. These findings suggest that the green-synthesized silver nanoparticles from Carica papaya seed extract possess significant hepatoprotective properties, likely mediated by their rich phytochemical content and antioxidant activity. This highlights their potential as a promising therapeutic agent for managing cyanide-induced toxicity.