Evaluation of Antioxidant Effects of Datura Stramonium on Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION: Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal known to possess toxic effects on living things. Cd ingested by an organism accumulates particularly in the kidneys and liver and also in the bones and lungs. Nephropathy is one of the most extensively recognized disorders caused by chronic Cd intoxication. Datura stramonium, Despite the widely reported toxicity of the plant, literature is scanty on the role played by extraction solvent in its nephrotoxicity as well as the susceptibility of different organs to the toxic effects of the plant. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at evaluating the antioxidant effects of Datura stramonium on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male wistar rats. METHODOLOGY: Thirty (30) adults male wistar rats were procured from the animal house in university of medical science, Ondo state. They weighed between 180-230grams and were bred and acclimatized for more two weeks. The rats were grouped into 6 groups each containing 5 rats. Group 1 (control) was administered with only 1ml of phosphate buffer saline, Group 2 was administered 30mg/kg dose of cadmium, Group 3 was administered 30mg/kg and 200mg/kg dose cadmium and extract respectively, Group 4 was administered 30mg/kg and 100mg/kg dose of cadmium and extract respectively, Group 5 was administered with 200mg/kg dose of extract while Group 6 was administered with 30mg/kg dose of cadmium and standard dose of vitamin E. The male wistar rats were sacrificed at the end of the administration by cervical dislocation for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that cadmium induced toxicity on the kidney of the male wistar rats. Datura stramonium leaf extract administration increases brain lipid peroxidation and depletes antioxidant status. Biochemical assay analysis for markers of oxidative and antioxidant activities showed dose-dependent significant changes in MDA, SOD and CAT. CONCLUSION: From the study conducted, it can be deduced that the main underlying mechanism of cadmium renal toxicity is enhanced oxidative stress and associated damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, eventually leading to cell death, kidney injury, and decline in kidney function. As such, Datura stramonium demonstrated a significant neuroprotective effect on nephrotoxicity by depleting superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme. Datura stramonium leaf extract administration increases brain lipid peroxidation and depletes antioxidant status.