Evaluation of Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity of Alkaloids from Datura stramonium Sp. in Mice

Abstract

Datura stramonium L. or jimson weed is a wild shrub which belongs to Solanaceae family. It contains a number of toxic alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscamine and scopolamine. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity of alkaloids extracted from the seed of Datura stramonium sp. In mice. Biochemical, hemodynamic, histological parameters were investigated. Experiments on acute toxicity on alkaloids, injected intraperitoneally, showed that these substances are moderately toxic (lethal dose 50 %: 303.4 mg/kg). The resulting intoxication triggered tachycardia, difficulty in breathing, convulsions and a decrease in locomotor activity in mice. The acute treatment for 24 hours and 5 days at a dose of 1/5 LD50, i.e., 60 mg/kg of alkaloids, did not show any difference in body weight. There was an increase in heart beat and respiratory cycle on day 1 in injected mice compared to control animals. These parameters became normal after 5 days of treatment. The hematological observations show that alkaloids at a dose of 60mg/kg induced a significant decline in the number of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin and hematocrit. The plasma AST, ALT, LDH, K+, urea and creatinine levels were significantly affected after alkaloid administration. The sub-acute dose (16 mg/kg) after 28 days resulted in a significant increase in AST, ALT, GGT, PLA, Na+ and K+ concentrations accompanied by a significant decrease in RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit and platelets levels. Heart beat and respiratory cycle also increased in treated-animals compared to the controls. Histopathological examination revealed high degree of vacuolization and inflammation in liver and the same up to lesser extent in kidney. In conclusion, the Datura stramonium. sp alkaloids modulate biochemical, hematological and histological parameters in mice.