Toxicological Evaluation of Datura metel seed Extract in Rats.

Abstract

Datura mete/ seed has been used medicinally for the treatment of different ailments and as a psychoactive agent. Rats in their respective groups were administered I 00, 300 and 600mglkg bodyweights of n-hexane.fraction of the seeds of Datura mete/ for twenty-eight days. Blood samples were co//ected 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 experimenta l period . Total haemoglobin (Hb) g!dL, Pack ed Cell Volume (PCV) %, Red Blood Ce/ls count (RBC) 1012/L, and lymphocytes (L) % al increased in extract fractio n treated groups. At doses of iOO and 30Umglkg bodyweight, AST and A LP increased significantly while ALT decreased in al/ the treated groups. Rats in al/ treated groups had elevated levels of bilirubin and albumin while that of 600mglkg bodyweight had an elevated level of total protein (0.64 ± I .02). Cholesterol and triacygzvcerol concentrations increased as concentrations increases while HDL decreased in the same manner. At 100 and 600mglkg bodyweight, sodium (204.01 ± 4.20) and potassium (16.03 ± 0.77) increased respectively. Chloride concentration was· however elevated at 300 and 600 mglkg 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.