Behavioural alterations and cerebellar toxicity induced by Datura metel exposure in mice

Purpose: To investigate the neurotoxic effects of methanolic crude extract of leaves of Datura metel L. Solanaceae on the cerebellum and motor coordination.Methods: A total of 24 mice (22.0 ± 2.0 g) were randomized into 4 groups (control, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (n = 6) doses of methanolic extract of Datura metel leaves and orally administered once daily for 28 days). Motor and neuromotor activity were evaluated after daily treatment for 28 days using the rota rod, bar test, catalepsy and the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for histological analysis of the cerebellum.Results: Treatment with Datura metel significantly increased motor activity with a significant reduction in muscle tone in both the rota rod and bar test models compared to control group (p < 0.05). No effect was demonstrated in the catalepsy model. There were cytoarchitectural degradative changes in the molecular, Purkinje and granular layer, with significant reduction in cerebellar volume at 800 mg/kg.Conclusion: This study shows that Datura metel has a cerebellotoxic effect with attendant manifestation in movement activity and coordination. Further studies on Datura metel would be required to determine the biochemical components responsible for these effects, with focus on possible psychoneuroendocrine mechanisms.