Toxicity studies of ethanol extract of the leaves of Datura stramonium in rats

Abstract

The effect of administration of ethanol extract of the leaves of Datura stramonium on some serum biochemical parameters was studied in rats to establish its safety. 50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the extract were administered to the rats for five weeks. Parameters studied were the indices of liver and kidney function and some biochemical and hematological parameters. Feed intake, final body weight, serum AST, ALT, bilirubin, total protein, urea and the electrolytes studied were all not affected by the extract administration. Serum creatinine levels were however significantly raised in the rats administered the 200 mg/kg body weight ethanol extract. The biochemical and hematological parameters studied were also not affected. Administration of the extract for the five weeks period did not therefore establish its complete safety. Key word: Datura stramonium, liver/kidney function.