The modulatory effects of alkaloid extracts of Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Nicotiana tabacum and male Carica papaya on neurotransmitter, neurotrophic and neuroinflammatory systems linked to anxiety and depression.

This study investigated the modulatory effects of alkaloid extracts of Cannabis sativa (CSAE), Datura stramonium (DSAE), Nicotiana tabacum (NTAE) and male Carica papaya (CMAE) on neurotransmitter, neurotrophic and neuro-inflammatory systems linked to anxiety and depression. Male Wistar rats were orally administered the alkaloid extracts in doses of 5, 50, 500, and 2000 mg/kg for 90 days. On day 91, neurobehavioural studies were evaluated, rats were sacrificed, brain hippocampus removed and tissue homogenate prepared. Biochemical, cytokine and neurotransmitter metabolisms were estimated in the hippocampus. Expressions of genes linked to anxiety and depression were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Results showed CSAE, NTAE and CMAE act as anxiolytic and antidepressant agents by depleting TNF-α, IL-1β and reactive oxygen species concentrations, and monoamine oxidase, angiotensin 1-converting enzyme and acetylcholinesterase activities while elevating IL-10 and dopamine concentrations and glutamate dehydrogenase activity at doses of 5, 50 and 500. Same doses of CSAE, NTAE and CMAE also depleted the gene expressions of GSK3β, JNK, NF-ĸB, and Nesfatin-1 while increasing expressions of CREB, BDNF, serotonin and Nrf2. However, administration of DSAE and 2000 mg/kg CSAE, NTAE and CMAE had adverse modulatory effects on the neurochemical concentrations and activities as well as the gene expressions of the evaluated neurotransmitter, neurotrophic and inflammatory systems. In conclusion, the study established the sub-chronic instrumentalization potential of CSAE, CMAE, and NTAE for anxiolytic and anti-depressive moods, though their use may be associated with dependence and addiction, which may result in more detrimental effects than any therapeutic potential they may proffer.