Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Seed Extract of Datura metel L. as a Potential Oral Anaesthetic in Dogs

摘要

This study evaluates the methanolic crude extract of Datura metel L. seeds (family Solanacease) asa potential oral anaesthetic in dogs. Following the oral acute toxicity study to determine the median lethal dose(LD ) of the extract in twelve (12) mice, the extract was relatively safe since when administered at the highest 50dose (5,000 mg/kg) no sign of toxicity and no death was recorded. In the in vivo sedative and anaesthetic studyof the effect of Datura metel L in this work, the observed pharmacological effect of the extract administeredorally to five (5) dogs separately at a dose rate of 0.6, 1.2, 1.5, 2 and 2.4 g/kg respectively during establishmentof a suitable pilot oral anaesthetic doses, showed a graded dose response relationship. The extract at an oraldose of 2.4 g/kg induced surgical anaesthesia in dogs with increased heart and respiratory rates (107 to 205 bpmand 36.33 to 41.33 cpm) respectively, normal rectal temperature (37.83 °C), adequate tissue perfusion, goodmuscle relaxation but poor analgesia, loss of anal sphincter tone and loss of pupillary reflex. The dogsrecovered without any complications. This study has shown that the seed extract of Datura metel L. isrelatively safe, induced sleep similar to that of thiopentone sodium anaesthesia with good anaesthetic indicesat the oral dose rate of 2.4 g/kg in dogs.