Saudi Journal of Medicine (SJM)
Volume-5 | Issue-11 | 336-348
Original Research Article
Model of Konzo Disease: Reviewing the Effect of Bitter Cassava Neurotoxicity on the Motor Neurons of Cassava-Induced Konzo Disease on Wistar Rats
Stella Enefa, Chikwuogwo W. Paul, Lekpa K. David
Published : Nov. 28, 2020
Abstract
Introduction: Cassava (Manihot Esculenta) is a staple food in tropical and subtropical regions in Africa, and is the main source of carbohydrate in these regions. Nevertheless, it contains cyanogenic glycosides metabolised to hydrogen cyanide, which has been shown by studies to affect the motor neurons of the central nervous system and causes neurodegenerative disease as konzo. However, the cassava-induced konzo disease and its neurotoxicity in rat model is yet to be explored. Method: 30 Adult female Wistar rats were assigned to 4 experimental groups (i) negative control n=5 (ii) positive control n=5, (iii) konzo-induced group n=15, (iv) protein-treated group n=5. The bitter cassava foods were taken by oral ingestion for a period of 5 weeks. Motor activity was evaluated using forelimb grip strength testing done weekly. RESULTS: There was significant difference in weight and forelimb grip strength between the negative control group and the konzo-induced group p˂0.05. Also, there was distortion of the pyramidal cells in the motor cortex and reduction of alpha cells in the ventral horn of the spinal cord which was not present in the protein treated group. CONCLUSION: Prolonged intake of insufficiently processed bitter cassava roots is associated with impaired motor coordination. Motor neurons are affected by neurological changes and distortion. These neurotoxicity effects of cassava can be ameliorated with consumption of cassava along with sulphur amino acid proteins and vitamins.