ABSTRACT
Datura stramonium, commonly known as Jimsonweed, is a plant noted for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine. While these compounds possess therapeutic potential, they are also associated with significant toxicity and oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species attack macromolecules in systemic cells leading to various disease states like neurodegenation, cardiovascular failure and so on. Hence, the unique and cost effective Drosophila melanogaster was study employed as a model organism to assess the effects of aqueous extracts of D. stramonium leaves on oxidative stress markers, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as survival rates. The study aimed to investigate the biochemical impacts of D. stramonium leaf extract, focusing on dose-dependent toxicity and oxidative stress responses in D. melanogaster. Aqueous extracts of D. stramonium leaves were prepared using standard maceration techniques with distilled water. Apparatus used included a rotary evaporator for extract concentration, a centrifuge for sample preparation, and a spectrophotometry and ELISA techniques for analyzing oxidative stress markers. Groups of D. melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of the extract (2000 mg/kg, 4000 mg/kg, and 8000 mg/kg) in a 21-day experiment. Survival rates were recorded daily, and biochemical assays were conducted on the experiment to measure MDA, CAT, and SOD levels. The study demonstrated a clear dose-dependent toxicity. Survival rates decreased significantly with higher concentrations, culminating in 100% mortality in the 8000 mg/kg group by Day 21. Oxidative stress markers revealed significantly elevated CAT activity in the experiment when compared with the control group, fluctuating SOD activity, and relatively stable MDA levels. These results highlight the intriguingly complex dual nature of D. stramonium, emphasizing its therapeutic potential alongside inherent risks of toxicity.
