Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana tabacum,
and
Carica papaya
are plants that naturally grow in Nigeria. They are reportedly rich in neuroactive compounds that are capable of reacting with the nervous system to elicit psychoactive and/or toxic effects that deter predators. However, despite the toxicological potential of these plants, their recreational use is on the rise due to the psychoactivity they proffer and prevalence in Nigeria. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the plants’ recreational use, mechanism of actions and toxicities. Relevant published documents on psychoactive plants in Nigeria were obtained from Web of Science between 2002 and 2020. Non-English documents, documents not in Science Citation Index Expanded and Google Scholar were removed while 1186 documents were reviewed. Results showed that the plants are recreationally used in Nigeria with a higher prevalence than the global frequency. They are very addictive and lead to dependence. The plants were also observed to elicit different mechanism of action, though the activation of monoaminergic neurotransmission system was common to all. Regrettably, the plants could be toxic when ingested under non-medical conditions. Conclusively, these plants are addictive with potential toxic effects. Therefore, control of the recreational use of these plants should be revamped and overhauled.
Memory deficit has been known as one of the complications of diabetes. Fermented P. macrophylla seeds have been used in folklore for various metabolic diseases. The research aims to evaluate the impact of diets with the inclusion of the fermented seed of P. macrophylla on memory deficit in diabetes and its underlying mechanisms. Before the induction, the rats were subjected to training sessions. Thereafter, administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg body weight) to the trained rats via intraperitoneal (i.p). 72 hours after, the rats blood glucose level was checked, and rats with a blood glucose level greater than 250 mg/dl were selected for the memory index evaluation study. The induced rats were randomly distributed into groups: Normal rats (group 1), untreated diabetic rat (Group 2), acarbose treated diabetic rats (group 3); All were fed with basal diet and those placed on diet supplemented with fermented seed of P. macrophylla (10 & 20% inclusion) were allotted to group 4 & 6. Then, evaluation of memory retention capacity on day 14 of the experiment. Thereafter, experimental rats were sacrificed, tissue of interest (brain) was excised, homogenized and homogenates were used for biochemical analysis. The cholinergic, angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE), arginase activity and biomarkers for oxidative stress were significantly altered in untreated diabetic rats when compared with non-diabetes rats. Conversely, the memory capacity of the diabetic rats was observed less in comparison to the non-diabetes rats. Meanwhile, diabetic rats placed on diet with fermented seeds of P. macrophylla (10 & 20% inclusion) exhibited significantly higher memory capacity, lower activity of cholinergic, ACE, arginase activity in relation to untreated diabetic rats while the antioxidant status of the brain was enhanced. Nevertheless, fermented seeds of P. macrophylla ameliorated memory deficit in STZ induced diabetes rats. This gave credence to its nutraceutical potential as claimed in folk medicine.
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