Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid on Frontal Cortex Damage Induced by Alcoholic Extract of Datura stramonium Leaf in Adult Male Wistar Rats
Atiba Kehinde Peter *
Department of Human Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Onyemeh Linda Oluchi
Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Nigeria.
Sunday Kolawole Akomolede
Department of Biology, Bemidji State University MN, United States.
Paul Obaloluwa Ojetayo
Department of Human Anatomy, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Patricia Okwuchi Nneji
Department of Science Education (Biology), Niger Delta University, Nigeria.
Aniekwensi Obinna Patrick
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria.
Gemadi Kwasi Shine
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central University/ Atlantic Lifesciences Limited, Ghana.
Adedoyin Tinuade Buari
Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Olajide Sarah Olulana
Department of Chemistry, Lagos State University, Nigeria.
Manawa Oghenevware
Department of Biochemistry, Edo State University Uzairue, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Datura stramonium (DS) is a medicinal plant widely distributed across the globe, including in Nigeria and West Africa. Pharmacological, physiological, and histological studies have demonstrated the neurotoxicity of the plant in animals and humans. Ascorbic acid is a potent reducing agent and scavenger of free radicals in biological systems.
Aim: This study was undertaken to advance our knowledge on Datura stramonium leaf toxicity and investigate ascorbic acid efficacy on the frontal cortex damage induced by the alcoholic extract of Datura stramonium leaf in adult male Wistar rats.
Settings and Design: Thirty (30) adults male Wistar rats weighing about 120±20g were divided into six groups (A-F) of five animals each for oral administration over 14 days.
Materials and Methods:
- Group A (Control): Received only rat feeds and water.
- Group B: Received 200 mg/kg alcoholic extract of Datura stramonium.
- Group C: Received 400 mg/kg alcoholic extract of Datura stramonium.
- Group D: Received 200 mg/kg body weight alcoholic extract of Datura stramonium and 200 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C.
- Group E: Received 400 mg/kg body weight alcoholic extract of Datura stramonium and 200 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C.
- Group F: Received 200 mg/kg body weight of Vitamin C. The experimental animals were euthanized, and sections of the frontal cortex of the brain were harvested for histological procedures, organ weight (brain) and body weight of experimental animals were obtained.
The data was subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: Histological observations indicated that the administration of the alcoholic extract of DS leaf in Group C showed degeneration of neurons in the frontal cortex. Groups that received ascorbic acid along with DS leaf in smaller doses showed no significant changes and had normal neuronal cells and stroma. Changes observed in body weight were not statistically significant at p-value <0.05.
Conclusion: This study suggests that ascorbic acid effectively reduces the neurotoxicity potential of Datura stramonium on the frontal cortex. The DS leaf extract may have neurodegenerative effects at high doses, and precautions should be taken when consuming DS, as it may adversely affect and damage neurons in the frontal cortex.
Keywords: Datura stramonium, vitamin C, neurodegeneration, frontal cortex neuron