Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis, Acute Toxicity, and Antidepressant Efficacy of Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) whole Seeds using Swiss Albino Mice

Introduction: Depression is a condition that often consists of such main symptoms as lack of interest, worry, insomnia problems, appetite loss, low energy levels, and suicidal thoughts. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the qualitative phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity, and antidepressant efficacy of Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) whole seeds on Swiss albino mice using forced swim (FST) and tail suspension (TST) tests. Materials and Methods: The seeds of Datura Stramonium were harvested, air dried, ground, and extracted using N-hexane. In the anti-depressant investigation, 60 mice (8 weeks old) were used for the two models. Each model contained 30 mice (15 males and 15 females) weighing 25-30 g. The extract and standard drug were administered orally to mice for seven days. Group 1 received Normal saline (2 mg/ml), group 2 received Imipramine (15mg/kg), Groups 3, 4, and 5 received N-hexane Extract Datura stramonium Seed (NEDSS) (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg), respectively, for the two models. The period of mobility in the TST and FST was determined 24 hours following the last dose. Results: The antidepressant studies revealed that the NEDSS-treated groups had significant (P<0.01) increases in mobility, compared to the control group. Moreover, Group 5 obtained the best effect (40 mg/kg of NEDSS). Conclusion: An increase in the dose of NEDSS revealed subsequent increases in anti-depression actions. Furthermore, 40 mg/kg of NEDSS proved to be the most potent in the two models of depression. However, further research should be carried out to determine its mechanism of action using laboratory animals.