Effects of Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of Datura Metel on the Hippocampus and Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Sprague Dawle Rats

Background: Datura metel is a plant of medical importance, often abused due to its psychostimulatory properties. Its use to relieve flu symptoms has led to an upsurge in consumption. Aim: To evaluate the impact of Datura metel leaf extracts on the histology and histochemistry of the brain. Materials and Methods: Five groups, A, B, C, D, and E, each having five adult rats, were formed out of 25 rats in total. Group C, D, and E were treated with hydroethanolic leaf extracts of 150mg/kg, 300mg/kg, and 600mg/kg body weight respectively. Whereas, group A served as the negative control and group B as the positive control. The methodology included biochemical analysis on antioxidants enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Also, haematoxylin and eosin stain was used to examine the general tissue morphology. Additionally, neurospecific enolase (NSE) and neurofilaments proteins (NFP) were used to evaluate the neurohistochemistry. Results: Exposure to hydroethanolic extracts of Datura metel significantly increased SOD and GST (p= 0.042 and 0.003). However, there was no significant increase in catalase and MDA after 14 days of exposure. Qualitatively, neuronal degenerations in adult rats confirmed the neurotoxicity of Datura metel. Conclusion: The hippocampus, and cerebellar cortex showed neurodegenerative signs including diminished neuronal cells, dendritic arborisation, vacuolation, increased neurofilament proteins and neuro-enolase enzymes. Therefore, people should be well guided on using the plant, especially given the negative effect on the brain as shown in experimental animals used in this study.