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.

 

Key words: Nicotiana tabacum, cerebellum, Histological