The Effects Of Simple Processing On The Cyanogens Of Hevea Brasiliensis Seeds And The Toxicity In Rats

ABSTRACT

The effects of simple processing on the cyanogen contents of Hevea brasiliensis seeds was monitored using acceptable chemical and physical methods. Oven drying of shelled whole seeds of Hevea brasiliensis at temperatures of 600, 90, 120, 150, 180°c over the periods of 30-180 mines resulted in 8.5-28.13%, 21.78- 40.04%, 23.71-38.57%, 31.98-38.68%, 28.12-43.63% decrease in total cyanide contents. Oven drying of chipped seeds at temperatures of 60°c and 120°c over the periods of 30mins-180m1ns resulted in 45.86-50.02% and 39.93-44.94% reduction in the total cyanogens respectively. Ingestion of animal feeds compounded from rubber seeds processed as above by rats resulted in an increased blood and urine cyanide and thiocyanate levels of the animal without any overt signs of toxicity. The total cyanide measured in blood serum was 2.9, 1.6, and 2.4 pg/mI after 24 hrs, 48 hrs, and 72hrs, respectively, while 12.6, 11.46 and 8.86 pg/mI of thiocyanate were measured in the blood after the above periods of time. The total cyanide and thiocyanate found in urine after 72hrs were 8.7 pg/mI and 45.58 pg/mI respectively.