Background
Datura metel contains atropine alkaloids and has been used to treat complication like asthma and, bronchitis, because of its anticholinergic properties.
Aim
This study aimed to determine the prenatal effects of ethanolic extract of D. metel leaves exposure on the development of hippocampus.
Materials and Methods
Twenty rats (12 females and 8 males) were purchased. The females were grouped into four groups (A_D). Group A were given 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract on the first day of fertilization to the end of gestation period, Group B were given 500 mg/kg body weight on the 8th day of fertilization to the end of gestation period, Group C were given 500 mg/kg body weight on 15th day of fertilization to the end of gestation period and Group D were given normal saline throughout the gestation period.
Results
Rats in Group A showed no implantation, rats in Group B had abortion on the 7th day after administration, and rats in Group C gave birth with their litters showing retarded hippocampus development and neural degeneration and rats in Group D (control) showed normal development.
Conclusion
Ethanolic extract of D. metel leaf is teratogenic in the late stage of pregnancy, is abortificient and can serve as a contraceptive.