Behavioural, Biochemical, and Cerebral Histomorphological Effects of Aqueous Extract of Datura stramonium L. Leaves in Rats

Datura stramonium L, commonly called devil's trumpet is a popular medicinal plant known for its psychoactive effect. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural, biochemical, and histomorphological changes in rats administered aqueous extract of Datura stramonium leaves. Eighty Wistar rats were divided into four groups of 20 rats per group. Group I was fed with standard rodent chow, while Groups II – IV were administered aqueous extract of Datura stramonium leaves at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively once daily for 28 days orally. After the treatment period, the rats were subjected to behavioural tests, including conditioned place preference, open field, Y-Maze, elevated plus maze, tail suspension, and forced swim tests. After the tests, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, including evaluation for malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and glutathione peroxidase) levels. The hippocampus and cerebral cortex were processed for histology, and brain dopamine and acetylcholine levels were determined.  Results from the study showed that the sub-acute administration of the aqueous extract of Datura stramonium leaves significantly decreased feed consumption, and caused body weight loss in rats. Behavioural tests revealed that the administration of Datura stramonium leaf extract resulted in neurobehavioural symptoms like addictive tendencies, anxiety, depression, and memory impairment. In addition, the extract significantly increased brain dopamine and decreased brain acetylcholine levels. Histological examination of the brain showed degenerating pyramidal neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats administered Datura stramonium leaf extract. These findings suggest potential neurotoxic effect of the prolonged use of Datura stramonium leaf extract.