Abstract

STUDIES ON THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF DATURA STRAMONIUM ON ALBINO RATS

Sanni, M*., Ejembi, D. O., Abbah, O. C., Olajide, J. E., Ayeni, G., And Asoegwu, C.M.

Abstract

Datura stramonium is a commonly known natural plant throughout the world for its hallucinogenic effects. It is also known to produce other effects such as euphoria. The phytochemical constituents of Datura stramonium was determined quantitatively, and its effects on albino rats was determine using some biochemical parameters such as AST, ALT, ACP, and total protein as well as histological examinations of the liver, kidney and intestine of the rats. Twelve adult male albino rats constituted groups of four (4). Three (3) albino rats each was treated with 2.0g/kg, 1.5g/kg, and 0.75g/kg per body weight of the aqueous extract of Datura stramonium respectively and the equivalent volume of distilled water was given to the remaining three animal that served as control, daily for twenty one (21) days. The levels of AST, ALT, ACP, and Total Protein in the serum were higher in the animals treated with Datura stramonium relative to those of animals in the control group. There was a statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean value of AST and ACP of animals treated with Datura stramonium relative to the control group but a non statistically significant difference (p

Keywords: Datura stramonium, ACP, AST, ALT.