Vincent-Junior Onoriode Igben1,
Enaohwo Taniyohwo Mamerhi2,
Emmanuel Agbamu3,
Enye Linus Anderson4,
Isioma Cynthia Nwaokoro5,
Obohwemu Oberhiri Kennedy6,
Kaine Omashim Oluwakemi2,
Okoro Ogheneyebrorue Godswill5 
,
Arighwrode Oke2,
Osadjere Oghenekevwe Sonia2,
Olisaemeka Ifechukwude Eboka5,
Francis Chukwuebuka Campbell7
For correspondence:- Okoro Godswill Email: thomasgodswill23@gmail.com Tel:+234-7033314640
Received: 15 February 2025 Accepted: 20 June 2025 Published: 03 July 2025
Citation: Igben VO, Mamerhi ET, Agbamu E, Anderson EL, Nwaokoro IC, Kennedy OO, et al. Behavioural alterations and cerebellar toxicity induced by Datura metel exposure in mice. Trop J Pharm Res 2025; 24(6):795-802 doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v24i6.6
© 2025 The authors.
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Purpose: To investigate the neurotoxic effects of methanolic crude extract of leaves of Datura metel L.
Solanaceae on the cerebellum and motor coordination.
Methods: A total of 24 mice (22.0 ± 2.0 g) were randomized into 4 groups (control, 200, 400, and 800
mg/kg (n = 6) doses of methanolic extract of Datura metel leaves and orally administered once daily for
28 days). Motor and neuromotor activity were evaluated after daily treatment for 28 days using the rota
rod, bar test, catalepsy and the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation for histological analysis
of the cerebellum.
Results: Treatment with Datura metel significantly increased motor activity with a significant reduction
in muscle tone in both the rota rod and bar test models compared to control group (p < 0.05). No effect
was demonstrated in the catalepsy model. There were cytoarchitectural degradative changes in the
molecular, Purkinje and granular layer, with significant reduction in cerebellar volume at 800 mg/kg.
Conclusion: This study shows that Datura metel has a cerebellotoxic effect with attendant
manifestation in movement activity and coordination. Further studies on Datura metel would be required
to determine the biochemical components responsible for these effects, with focus on possible
psychoneuroendocrine mechanisms.
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