Ethanolic leaf extract ofDatura stramoniumattenuates methotrexate-induced biochemical alterations in Wistar Albino rats

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesMethotrexate (MTX) is a commonly used anti-cancer drug. However, its usage could lead to various biochemical dysregulations culminating in organ toxicity. Globally, most plant products have been used for the treatment of several diseases. Thus, we investigated the effect of Datura stramonium ethanolic leaf extract (DSELE) supplementation in MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats.MethodsRats were divided into four groups: Group 1 received normal saline (5 mg/kg b. w), Group 2 received DSELE (200 mg/kg), Group 3 received 20 mg/kg MXT while rats in Group 4 received 200 mg/kg + MTX 20 mg/kg. Normal saline and DSELE were administered per os for 21 days while MXT single injection was given intraperitoneally on day 18 and the rats were sacrificed after 3 days. Thereafter, biochemical parameters were evaluated.Key findingsMTX caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum activities of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein while the levels of total protein and albumin decreased significantly relative to the normal control. Interestingly, DSELE administration favourably modulated MXT-induced biochemical alterations to levels comparable to normal control.ConclusionsDSELE can be a useful combinatorial natural product in MTX chemotherapy since it mitigates MXT-induced biochemical alterations in rats.