Alteration in Oxidative Stress Enzymes and Proteins by Datura metel Stramonium Hydroethanolic Root Extract Promotes Hippocampus and Cerebral Cortex Neurons Damage in Adult Sprague Dawley Rats.

Background: Datura metel is reported to induce hallucinations and mental disorders.

Objective: This study investigates the neurotoxic effects of Datura metel stramonium hydroethanolic root extract on the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of adult rats using biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical techniques.

Methodology: Twenty five adult rats were assigned to 5 groups (n = 5 each). Group A - negative control, group B (lead positive control). Groups C, D, and E exposed to 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weight of extracts for 14 days once daily, respectively. Histology, biochemistry and immunohistochemical techniques were used to study cell injury in the brain tissue.

Results: Biochemical alterations were observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathionine S-transferase (GST) and Catalase among the experimental groups. Catalase was statistically significant at P<0.05. Histology reveals neurons damage, depletion and vacuolation. NFP and NSE were over expressed in the experimental groups.

Discussion: Oral administration of Datura metel root extracts at high concentration alters the antioxidant enzymes activity and body weight. Extracts cause cortex and hippocampus neurotoxicity through heightened oxidative stress.

Conclusion: Datura metel root extract is a neurotoxic agent and causes depopulation of hippocampus and cerebral cortex neurons. The use of this plant should be highly regulated to reduce neuropathies associated with consumption.