Evaluation of Datura Metel L Seed Extract as a Sedative/Hypnotic: A Priliminary Study -

This work was undertaken as a preliminary study in Wistar rats to evaluate the methanolic crude extract of Datura metel L. seeds as a potential oral anaesthetic. Oral acute toxicity study was carried out to determine the safety of the extract in twelve (12) mice, the extract when administered at the highest dose (5,000 mg/kg) no sign of toxicity and no death was recorded. In the in vivo oral sedative and anaesthetic evaluation of the extract, the observed pharmacological effect of the extract at a dose rate of 7, 9, 11, 15, 20 and 25 g/kg to six (6) Wistar rats respectively, showed a graded dose response relationship with 25 g/kg inducing behavioural sleep in the Wistar rat. Another set of five (5) Wistar rats implanted with electrodes, administered the extract at a dose rate of 25 g/kg each and their behavioural sleep patterns (EEG) recorded. Their EEG when compared to that from a standard administered thiopental intra peritoneally was similar (synchronization). Thus the seed extract of Datura metel L. is relatively safe, induced EEG similar to thiopentone sodium anaesthesia at the oral dose rate of 25 g/kg. Datura metel L seed extract is a potential orally administered anaesthetic.