Modulatory Effects of Datura Stramonium on Antioxidants in Cadmium-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

INTRODUCTION: ABSTRACT Cadmium, a highly toxic heavy metal, causes significant neurotoxic effects, particularly in the cerebellum, a brain region essential for motor and cognitive functions. Chronic cadmium exposure induces oxidative stress by depleting antioxidant defenses, leading to neuronal damage. Natural remedies, such as Datura stramonium, are rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties and have shown potential in mitigating oxidative damage. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at evaluating the modulatory effects of Datura stramonium on antioxidant levels in the cerebellum of cadmium-induced adult male Wistar rats. The objectives were to: 1. Assess the impact of cadmium on antioxidant levels in the cerebellum. 2. Investigate the protective effects of Datura stramonium in modulating oxidative stress. 3. Evaluate the neuroprotective effects of Datura stramonium through biochemical analysis. METHODOLOGY: A total of 25 adult male wistar rats were used for this study. They were acclimatized for two weeks, and randomly distributed into five groups (1 - 5)n=5. Cadmium was administered intraperitoneally on the first day. Datura stramonium extract was administered orally using cannula for 28 days. The first group (control) received 1ml distilled water daily for 28 days. The second group was given Cd 30mg/kg only. The third group was given co-administration of Cd 30mg/kg and DSaq 200mg/kg. The fourth group was given co- v administration of Cd 30mg/kg and DSaq 100mg/kg. The fifth group was given DSaq 200mg/kg only. The administration lasted for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed through cervical dislocation and the cerebellum was carefully excised for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: The results revealed that cadmium exposure significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme levels in the cerebellum and caused oxidative stress. Administration of Datura stramonium extract restored antioxidant activity, reduced oxidative damage, and preserved cerebellar structure in a dose- dependent manner. CONCLUSION: Datura stramonium demonstrated significant neuroprotective properties by modulating antioxidant levels and mitigating cadmium-induced cerebellar toxicity. This highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity. KEY WORDS: Cadmium, Datura stramonium, Oxidative stress, Antioxidants, Neuroprotection, Cerebellar toxicity.