Ethanolic leaf extract of Datura stramonium attenuates Methotrexate-induced BiochemicalAlterations in Wistar Albino rats

Methotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used anti-cancer drug. However, its usage could lead to various biochemical dysregulations culminating in organ toxicity. Globally, most plant products have been used for the treatment of several diseases. Thus, we investigated the effect of Datura stramonium ethanolic leaf extract (DSELE) supplementation in MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Group one received normal saline (5mg/kg b. w), Group two received DSELE (200mg/kg), Group three received 20mg/kg MXT while rats in Group four received 200mg/kg + MTX 20mg/kg. Normal saline and DSELE were administered per os for 21 days while MXT single injection was given intraperitoneally on day 18 and the rats were sacrificed after 3 days. Thereafter, biochemical parameters were evaluated. MTX caused a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein while the levels of total protein and albumin decreased significantly relative to the normal control. Interestingly, DSELE administration favorably modulated MXT-induced biochemical alterations to levels comparable to normal control. DSELE can be a useful combinatorial natural product in MTX chemotherapy since it mitigates MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats.