Alteration in Oxidative Stress Enzymes and Proteins by 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 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 root extracts at high concentration alters the antioxidant enzymes activity and body weight. Extracts cause cortex and hippocampus neurotoxicity through heightened oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

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.