Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation (Jan 2025)
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
Abstract
Yibala Ibor oboma,1,2 God’sman C Eberechukwu1,3 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University Wilberforce Island Bayelsa State, Amassoma, Nigeria; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Ishaka Municipal, Uganda; 3Department of Histopathology and Cytopathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, NigeriaCorrespondence: Yibala Ibor oboma, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Bushenyi District, Ishaka Municipal, Uganda, Tel +256740059020, Email [email protected]: 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.Keywords: Datura metel, oxidative stress, neuronal damage
