Toxicological Evaluation of Datura metel seed Extracts in Rat

Abstract

Datura metel seed has been used medicinally for the treatment of different ailments and as a psychoactive agent. Rats in their respective groups were administered 100, 300 and 600 mg/kg bodyweights of n-hexane fraction of the seeds of Datura metel for twenty-eight days. Blood samples were collected by carotid puncture into heparinized and non-heparinized bottles for haematological and biochemical analysis respectively. 600 mg/kg bodyweight dose group progressively had reduction in bodyweight (168.00 ± 12.00) at the end of the experimental period. Total haemoglobin (Hb) g/dL, Packed Cell Volume (PCV) %, Red Blood Cells count (RBC) 1012/L, and lymphocytes (L) % all increased in fraction treated groups. At doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg bodyweight, AST and ALP increased significantly while ALT decreased in all the treated groups. Rats in all treated groups had elevated levels of bilirubin and albumin while only 600 mg/kg bodyweight had an elevated level of total protein (10.64 ± 1.02). Cholesterol and triacyglycerol concentrations increased as concentrations increases while HDL decreased in the same manner. At 100 and 600 mg/kg bodyweight, sodium (204.01 ± 4.20) and potassium (16.03 ± 0.77) increased respectively. Chloride concentration was however elevated at 300 and 600 mg/kg bodyweight. Uric acid, urea and creatinine decreased significantly at 600 mg/kg bodyweight. The fraction has haematinic activity and immunostimulatory effect but with mild toxic effect on nephrocytes.