Abstract

EFFECTS OF THE COLD WATER EXTRACT OF THE SEEDS OF DATURA METEL (SOLANACEAE) ON APOMORHINE AND PHENOBARBITONE INDUCED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM ACTIVITIES IN DAY OLD CHICKS

Simeon Omale*, Noel N. Wannang, Samuel B. Banwat, Dauda A. Dangiwa, Felicia
S. Ohunene, Nwamaka C. Anukam and Chuks C. Onah

Abstract

Complimentary medicine has been widely accepted in the management of disease and has received a boost by the World Health Organization. Datura metel has been employed in the management of psychotic disorders by some traditional medicine healers in Nigeria. The Central Nervous System (CNS) effects of the cold water extract of the seeds of D. metel was investigated on day old chicks. The graded doses (50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the extract were administered intra peritonealy and compared with the drugs. The LD50 was found to be 125 mg/kg and there was a dose dependent reduction of the mean pecking value from 8.25 ± 0.57 (50 mg/kg), 6.10 ± 0.57 (75 mg/kg) and 3.00±0.33 (100 mg/kg) minutes in the test groups. There was a significant decrease (P

Keywords: Chlorpromazine, Anti-psychotics, Hallucinogens, Neuroleptics, Stereotyped-behaviour, Locomotor.