DOSE-DEPENDENT DUAL EFFECTS OF DATURA STRAMONIUM ON CADMIUM-INDUCED CEREBRAL CORTEX NEUROTOXICITY IN ADULT MALE WISTAR RATS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a well-established environmental neurotoxin associated with oxidative stress and neuronal injury in the cerebral cortex. Datura stramonium contains bioactive tropane alkaloids with reported neuropharmacological activities, but its dose-dependent interaction with Cd-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear.

Objective: This study evaluated the dose-dependent effects of Datura stramonium on Cd-induced cerebral cortical histoarchitecture in adult male Wistar rats.

Methods: Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were used, randomly assigned into five groups (n = 5): control, Cd-only (30 mg/kg), Cd + DS (100 mg/kg), Cd + DS (200 mg/kg), and DS-only (200 mg/kg). CdCl₂ was administered intraperitoneally on days 1, 4, and 7, while Datura stramonium aqueous extract was administered orally for 21 days. Cerebral cortices were processed using H&E staining and evaluated qualitatively.

Results: Cd exposure induced mild cortical histoarchitectural alterations including neuronal swelling and cytoplasmic vacuolation. Co-administration of DS at 100 mg/kg showed partial preservation of cortical structure, while 200 mg/kg DS with Cd was associated with largely preserved cytoarchitecture. However, DS alone at 200 mg/kg produced marked neurodegenerative changes, including widespread pyknosis and neuronal disruption.

Conclusion: Datura stramonium exhibits dose-dependent dual effects in Cd-induced cortical toxicity, demonstrating context-dependent protective and neurotoxic properties. Its therapeutic potential requires strict dose regulation and further mechanistic validation.