Effect of Aqueous Extract of Blackberry Nightshade ( Solanum nigrum  ) Leaf on Carbonated Alcoholic Herbal Beverage (CAHB)-Induced Cerebellar Damage and Behavioural Changes in Adult Wistar Rats

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of aqueous extract of Solanum nigrum leaf on carbonated alcoholic herbal beverage-induced cerebellar damage and behavioural changes. Thirty (30) adult Wistar rats weighing between 150g and 220g were allotted into 5 groups of 6 rats each. Animals in group A (control) were placed on normal diet for 56 days. Group B were further subdivided into B1 and B2. Group B1 received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42days, Group B2 received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and were left to recover for the next 14 days. Group C received 400ml/kg (high dose) of S. nigrum only for 56 days. Group D received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and 200m/kg of S. nigrum for the next 14 days. Group E received 9.4ml/kg of CAHB for 42 days and 400mg/kg of S. nigrum for the next 14 days. The result showed that oral administration of CAHB at a dose of 9.4ml/kg body weight daily for 42 days when given to rats, and when they were left to recover for 14 days significantly induced: cerebellar oedema, degeneration of Purkinje cells, vascular stenosis and ulceration, as revealed by reduction in the activity of locomotive, exploratory and anxiety levels of the rats using open field locomotor test. Groups treated with the extract revealed normal cerebellar microstructure. This study has shown that the aqueous extract of S. nigrum leaf has an ameliorative effect on CAHB induced cerebellar damage and behavioural changes.