Hallucinogenic Effects Of Aqueous Seeds Extract OfDatura Metel In Rats.

Abstract

The hallucinogenic effect of aqueous seed extract of D. metel was evaluated. The ethanolic extract was subjected to Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry and the result shows the presence of an alkaloid scopolamine. Male wister rats were divided into four groups and were orally administered with aqueous seed extract of 0.0, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8mg/kg body weight respectively. The treated groups exhibited some behavioral changes such as restlessness, aggressiveness, agitation and disorientation. The effect of the extract on the food and water intake shows a significant decrease (p<.05) in the 0.6 and 0.8mg/kg extract treated groups as compared with control. However, the heart rate increased significantly (p<.05) in 0.6 and 0.8mg/kg treated groups while the respiratory rate increased in the 0.8mg/kg treated group as compared with control respectively. A decrease of vitamin A, C and E was observed at all dose level particularly in 0.8mg/kg extract treated group (p<.05) at 3.27± 0.1, 4.08± 0.3 and 0.28± 0.04µg./dl respectively. The hallucinogenic effect observed may be due to the presence of the alkaloid scopolamine.