Effect of Datura (seed) on rat brain and urinary metabolites.

The effect of Datura alba (seed) extract on the brain and urinary metabolites of rats was studied. Treatment with Datura brought about a decrease in the activity of brain lipid peroxidase and catalase while an increase in the activity of fructose diphosphate aldolase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was observed. An increase in the DNA and RNA contents of brain was noted after the treatment with Datura. The study also showed a marked decrease in the excretion of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid and vanillyl mandelic acid in the urine of rats given Datura extract.