Protective Effect of Hydroethanolic extract of Datura metel leaves against Nicotine induced toxicity in albino rats

Abstract

Background: Datura metel (D.metel) is a plant with both poisonous and medicinal properties that have been proven to have great pharmacological potential. It has a wide range of traditional applications and uses in folklore medicine to treat various ailments. Conspicuous marketing of new nicotine-containing formulations has caused an upsurge of nicotine toxicity which is increasingly germane to public health . Fatal overdose of nicotine could occur as a result of suicidal intent or by accident. The current review focuses on the protective effffect of hydroethanolic extract of Datura metel leaves against nicotine-induced toxicity in albino rats. Methods: For a period of 7-days, nicotine (1mg/kg/day, i.p) was administered to fifive groups of rats in addition to hydroethanolic extract of D.metel leaves at doses of 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg and vitamin E at 50mg/kg/day, p.o . On the 8 th day, the animals were sacrifificed, and organs (kidney, heart, liver) were taken for histopathological analysis. The phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity studies were also determined. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, flflavonoid, anthraquinone and steroid. No observable signs of delayed toxicity and mortality for 14 days post treatment up to a maximum dose of 8g/kg/p.o. The intraperitoneal LD50 value was estimated as 3076.1mg/kg/i.p. Post-treatment with D. metel ameliorated the nicotine induced pathomorphological changes . Conclusion:The dose related attenuation of pathomorphological changes is suggestive of D.metel's protective ability. A basis for further exploration of the potential of D.metel as a possible therapeutic agent in human nicotine induced toxicity can be deduced.