Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a plant native to Brazil (South America), cultivated throughout the tropics for its starchy roots [1] . It feeds more than 700 million people and is cultivated in more than 105 countries worldwide [2] , with a global production of 292 million tonnes in 2017 according to the FAO. Approximately 60% of cassava produced is intended for human consumption, 20% for animal feed, and 10% is processed into secondary products [3] . The leaves are eaten as vegetables in many parts of Africa. In the Central African Republic, cassava production is 725,000 tonnes of cassava, or 2.9 million tonnes of fresh tuber, followed by yams at 450,000 tonnes and maize at 167,000 tonnes. Despite its advantages, cassava is one of the toxic food plants in the world. This toxicity is linked to the presence of two cyanogenic glucosides: linamarin (93%) and lotaustraline (7%) [4] . These glucosides in themselves are not toxic, but following enzymatic hydrolysis, they release hydrocyanic acid [5] . Many studies seem to establish a link between diet and the appearance of certain pathologies. One of the main explanatory factors would be repeated exposure to low doses of toxic contaminants via food. KONZO disease in Congo is due to the consumption of cassava containing a high level of HCN [6] . KONZO is an irreversible neurological disorder affecting the upper body, prevalent in rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, where the main crop is bitter varieties of cassava. Due to the dangers of chronic toxicity of this plant, there is talk of more intensive efforts to achieve low and acceptable levels of cyanide. The first possibility for reducing cyanide levels in cassava lies in the selection of cultivars that are free or low in HCN [7] . Cyanide-free varieties are difficult to find, but studies will always continue. Cassava varieties that produce less than 50 mg/kg of HCN from fresh peeled roots are considered safe [8] [9] . The CAR is one of the countries where cassava is the staple food, and its cultivation is widespread throughout the country. The leaves are consumed as a vegetable and the roots as an energy source. In the Central African Republic, numerous studies have been carried out on its improvement [10] [11] . An epidemiological survey confirmed the presence of KONZO disease (epidermal paralysis induced by chronic poisoning by food-borne cyanide) in health district No. 2 in 2009 [12] . Also, a study reported that during the rainy season, the demand for cassava chips exceeds the supply in most countries. This deficit sometimes leads some processors to voluntarily shorten the processing time of cassava. As a result, the time for retting and drying operations is often shortened. This leads to risks of toxicity due to the persistence of cyanogenic derivatives in the chips. In order to guarantee food safety, it is a question of launching research on the toxicological aspect of this plant. This is why, through this research project, we have already evaluated the HCN content in the leaves of 58 cassava accessions in circulation in the Central African Republic, whose determined HCN concentrations vary from 13 mg to 144 mg, exceeding the FAO standard of 10 mg [13] . This is a worrying situation, because recent work has shown that the frequency of consumption of cassava leaves is 1 to 4 times per week in households [14] . This would expose consumers to a health risk due to the cyanide effect. This requires verification of the effects of the toxicity of the leaves of these accessions on mice, which could help in the search for solutions in humans. This is why this study aims to evaluate the biochemical parameters and effects of cyanide on the vital organs of mice in the experiment.

Research questions

Are fresh cassava leaves toxic? What impact can they have on humans?

General objective

Assess the toxicity of leaves from five cassava accessions in the collection in SAMBA in Ombella M’Poko in the Central African Republic.

Specific objectives

The growth of mice in the control group was statistically significant compared to the treated groups (GLM, P < 0.0001), which indicates that the diet provided more nutrients that could contribute to the acquisition of weight gain in mice after 14 days compared to the other treatments. The results also showed a decrease in the weight of mice whose diet was composed of 25% cassava leaves and 75% corn. The GLM model revealed a highly significant difference compared to the weights of mice treated only with corn (GLM, P < 0.0001). This explains why the diet composed of 25% cassava leaves can be recommended in the diet of mice.

The results obtained after the biochemical analyses were out of standard except for the control group. A very significant elevation of the hepatic and renal markers was noted in particular: the Urea parameter, for all the accessions evaluated, was out of standard (0.15 to 0.45 g/L): Accession DOGBO = 1.018; Accession ICRA21 = 0.931; Accession MAMBERE = 0.809; Accession ICRA51 = 0.756; Accession ICRA14 = 0.639 and the control group = 0.42. The creatinine parameter, for all the accessions evaluated, was out of standard (6 to 14 mg/L): Accession DOGBO = 19.090; Accession ICRA21 = 18.800; Accession MAMBERE = 17.700; Accession ICRA51 = 17.100; Accession ICRA14 = 15.900 and the control batch = 10.200. The ALAT parameter, for all accessions evaluated, was out of standard (4 to 40 IU/L): Accession DOGBO = 1374.833; Accession ICRA21 = 399.000; Accession MAMBERE = 199.611; Accession ICRA51 = 160.167; Accession ICRA14 = 135.444 and the control batch = 12.906. The ASAT parameter, for all accessions evaluated, was out of standard (4 to 38 IU/L): Accession DOGBO = 1451.389; Accession ICRA21 = 500.556; Accession MAMBERE = 270.611; Accession ICRA51 = 242.000; Accession ICRA14 = 174.389 and the control group = 17.950. This was accompanied by weight loss and visible changes in the organs examined, highlighting the presence of atrophy, dystrophy, ischemia, and necrosis in the livers, kidneys, and hearts of the mice tested, except the control group. Cassava leaves contain cyanogenic substances that can be dangerous if not properly processed. The increase in liver enzymes and abnormalities in kidney functions observed indicate organ toxicity. These results support previous research regarding the hazards of cassava products. Cassava accessions such as DOGBO or ICRA21 show higher toxicity levels. Macroscopic examination of kidneys and livers of mice subjected to cassava leaf powders at different concentrations for batches L1 (144 mg/kg), L2 (134.66 mg/kg), L3 (135.1 mg/kg), L4 (103.33 mg/kg), L5 (100.66 mg/kg) reveals a specific or particular lesion compared to the same organs of mice in control batches. Some abnormalities are observed in the colon of mice exposed to cassava leaf powder: these are essentially nodules on the distal and proximal parts of the colon, more or less significant hemorrhages, and a narrowing of the colonic wall, particularly in the distal part of the colon. These abnormalities or lesions are found in all mice in the batches subjected to cassava leaf powders at the different concentrations used. Histological analysis in the control batch shows the histological organization of a normal liver. Concerning the histopathology of the liver of mice subjected to standard food. But on the other hand, for animals from different batches that were subjected to cassava leaf powders at different concentrations, specifically, the histological observation in general of these different batches of accessions shows the presence of clarified cell clusters with congestion, as the study highlighted above.

Monitoring of weight evolution showed the presence of significant weight loss in animals subjected to cassava leaf powders compared to controls. Similarly, other authors have also shown the effect of administering plant leaf powders on the body weight of animals [15] [16] . Weight change is used as a general indicator of the adverse effects of chemical compounds [17] . Thus, weight loss is correlated with the physiological state of the animal and can be explained not only by anorexia [18] , but also by the alteration of the metabolism of the animals [19] . In our case, the animals in the batches subjected to cassava leaf powders all suffered dehydration, as evidenced by wet feces. The hematopoietic system is one of the most sensitive targets for toxic substances. It represents an important marker of the physiological and pathological state of humans and animals [19] [20] . Therefore, any change in hematological parameters has a predictive value for human poisoning when the data are translated from animal studies [15] [21] . In the present study, an increase in biochemical parameters was reported. The elevation of transaminase levels in mice subjected to cassava leaf powders indicates poisoning [22] . The liver is the main site of detoxification of natural substances [23] . Therefore, a study of liver function may be useful in assessing the toxic effects of cassava leaf powders on the liver.

The results of the transaminase assays, ASAT or GOT, and ALAT or GPT, showed a very significant increase in GPT in the batches treated with cassava leaf powders. These results are similar to the work of [24] . Wistar rats exposed to 200 mg/L of cadmium sulfate have elevated transaminases. In the batches treated with the mixed feed ration, an increase in the level of GTP in the serum of the animals was observed. This increase in the level of GTP may be linked to a high level of vitamins. This also verifies the results of [25] , who found that chronic alcohol consumption with Koutoukou (ACK) leads to a decrease in ASAT/ALAT levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus). According to our analyses, a high ASAT/ALAT level in the blood has an effect on the organs of the animals, and this generally indicates that the liver cells have been affected [14] . Transaminases (ALAT and ASAT) are the main enzymes for assessing the state of liver function [26] . In general, ASAT and ALAT are enzymes of mitochondrial and cytoplasmic origin. Indeed, any cell necrosis, destruction of the liver parenchyma, or an increase in the membrane permeability of hepatocytes leads to the flow of these enzymes into the bloodstream and therefore the increase of their serum levels [27] - [29] . Acute treatment of mice at a dose led to an increase in serum levels of transaminases (ASAT and ALAT). This increase is significant. Renal assessment is used to detect possible kidney dysfunction. It initially includes some biochemical tests: urea, creatinine [30] . Indeed, these parameters have high values in case of alteration of the renal filtration mechanism [31] [32] . Nature has an effect on high levels of urea and creatinine. The values of these biochemical parameters are elevated in the out-of-range intervals and have undergone large variations compared to controls. Furthermore, ALAT (Alanine aminotransferase) or SGPT (serum glutamylpyruvate transaminase) is a sensitive and specific marker of hepatocellular damage. An elevation of ALAT suggests liver disease except in cases of severe rhabdomyolysis or systemic myopathies. However, ALAT levels may be normal in cases of liver disease. Methotrexate-induced hepatitis and chronic hepatitis C may not be accompanied by an elevation of transaminases. However, chronic infection is most often characterized by fluctuating aminopeptidase values, which can sometimes be normal, sometimes elevated. Indeed, there is no correlation between the level of hepatocellular necrosis as objectified by biopsy and the level of transaminases. The degree of elevation of liver enzymes helps narrow down the differential diagnosis of a particular case: a mild (<2 - 3× the norm) to moderate (3 - 10× the norm) elevation is seen in alcoholic liver disease, steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and chronic viral hepatitis. In the face of a marked elevation (greater than 10× and especially 20× the norm), acute viral hepatitis, hepatic necrosis induced by drugs or toxins, as well as hepatic ischemia, are mainly considered. Similarly, ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase) or SGOT (serum glutamyl oxaloacetate transferase) is less sensitive and less specific than ALAT for the liver. In case of ASAT/ALAT ratio > 1, muscle pathology must be excluded by measuring CK. In case of alcoholic liver disease, ASAT can be increased in isolation. An ASAT/ALAT ratio > 2 is found in 70% of alcoholic liver diseases, 26% of postnecrotic cirrhosis, 8% of chronic hepatitis, and 4% of acute viral hepatitis. The sensitivity of this ratio for alcohol-related damage is 70%, its specificity is 92%, and its positive and negative predictive values are around 80%. The ASAT/ALAT ratio can therefore help determine the probability that liver damage is due to alcohol, but if it is elevated, another cause should always be considered.

The research highlights the presence of short- and medium-term toxicity in the leaves of the cassava accessions evaluated. Appropriate treatment is crucial before the consumption of its by-products to avoid significant health risks. It is necessary to carry out strict genetic selection and raise public awareness before widespread distribution in food. The most toxic accessions should be effectively re-evaluated through the kinetic study of retting, including soaking, maceration, fermentation, drying at temperatures of 40˚C for a time, and storage, which can lead to a significant drop in the initial content of cyanogenic glucosides contained in cassava in order to guarantee their food safety.

This work was supported, in whole or in part, by the Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Grant/Award Number: INV-002969 (formerly OPP1212988) to the Central and West African Virus Epidemiology (WAVE) Program for root and tuber crops—through a subgrant from Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny (UFHB) to the University of Bangui, Central African Republic. The conclusions and opinions expressed in this work are those of the authors alone and shall not be attributed to the Foundation. Under the grant conditions of the Foundation, a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License has already been assigned to the Author Accepted Manuscript version that might arise from this submission.