Datura stramonium elicits antiepileptic, sedative, and muscle relaxant properties in mice: possible involvement of reactive species scavenging in its mechanism of activities.
Murtala A. Akanji, Oyinloye O. Elijah , Fageyinbo M. Samuel , Alabi A. Oyedolapo , Aderinola A. Aderonke , Farouk A. Oladoja , Shonde O. Olatundun , Osipitan L. Edatomolaosi , Emmanuel B. Adegbe , Julius A. Abolarinwa.
1. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagamu Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria.
3. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding author: Murtala A. Akanji
Email: abdullahi.murtala@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng Telephone: +2348037983157
ABSTRACT
Background: Central nervous system disorders (CNS) have been reported to be associated with oxidative damage. The overwhelming aggregation of oxidative components such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in the brain has been implicated.
Objective: To investigate the antiepileptic, sedative, muscle relaxant and antioxidant (in-vitro) properties of Datura stramonium(DT) leaf extract in mice.
Methods: Validated experimental models were used to explore the antiepileptic, sedative, muscle relaxant and antioxidant (in-vitro) properties of DT in this study.
Results: In pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion test, DT (25-50 mg/kg) delayed the onset of convulsion (p<0.05) and decreased the severity/duration of convulsion (p<0.05). With regards to hexobarbitone-induced sleep test, DT (100-200 mg/kg) decreased the sleep latency (p<0.01) and increased the duration of sleep (p<0.01). On beam test, DT decreased both the distance covered (p<0.001, 25-50 mg/kg) and the number of foot slips (p<0.01, 200 mg/kg). For traction and inclined screen tests, DT increased the reaction time (p<0.05, 25 mg/kg) and decreased the post-treatment sliding latency value (p<0.05, 200 mg/kg). DT scavenged reactive species in the in-vitro antioxidant assays.
Conclusion: Findings suggest that D. stramonium possesses antiepileptic, sedative, muscle relaxant and antioxidant (in-vitro) activities.
Keywords: Datura stramonium; Antiepileptic activity; Sedative activity; Muscle relaxant action; Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.