Abstract:
Aim: Using an animal model the direct effect of aqueous extract of
Nicotiana tabacum (ANT) administration on the biochemical parameters and
cerebellum in Wistar rats was investigated.
Methods: Twenty four (24) rats were divided into four groups with six rats
per group with an average weight of 150 g. Group 1 served as the Control
and was administered distilled water (1 ml/kg bw) and Groups 2, 3 & 4
received 1000 mg/kg bwt, 500 mg/kg bwt and 250 mg/kg bwt of (ANT)
respectively through oral gavages. The rats were humanely sacrificed after
21 days of treatment. Biochemical and histological studies were done.
Results: Beam Walking Test show increased latencies in treated
groupswhen compared to the Control Group. The result showed a significant
decrease in CAT level in Groups 2 (43.50±2.12), and 4 (41.50±0.70) when
compared with the Control (48.00±1.41) (p<0.05). The result of the
histological section of the cerebellum of treated groups revealed
histoarchitectural distortion; neurodegenerative changes, such as
cytoplasmic shrinkage of Purkinje cells and vacuolations in internal granule
cell layer.
Conclusion: The result showed that the consumption of tobacco may be
harmful to the brain and should be taken with caution
