Aqueous extract of Datura stramonium seeds induces cerebellar neurodegeneration, motor and non-motor deficits in Wistar rats

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Datura stramonium is a psychoactive plant with several active phytochemicals which includes tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine and other phytoconstituents reported to have mind-altering effects. The cerebellum is involved in motor and non-motor functions, consisting of cognition and affective states.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty (20) rats were blindly randomized into four groups (A, B, C and D; n=5/group). Distilled water (5 mL/kg; p.o) was administered to the control group (A), while 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg (p.o) doses of DSE was administered to the test groups B, C and D respectively for a period of 21 days.
RESULTS: The biometric and behavioral results showed that DSE in a dose-dependent fashion markedly increased percentage body weight gain and number of foot slips but reduced the number of alternation, percentage of alternation and average speed. The neurotoxicity of DSE also showed a dose dependent histomorphological changes in cerebellar cortex.
CONCLUSION: This study shows that DSE decreases locomotion, equilibration and balance, spatial memory, and cognition in treated rats.