Modulatory Effects of Ethanol with Nicotiana Tabacum and Cannabis Sativa on Markers of Brain Function and Haematological Parameters: In-Vivo and In-Silico Approach

Abstract

Drugs and other substances with psychoactive substances have the potential to alter body functioning and structure when ingested either for medical or recreational purposes. The study investigated the effects of ethanol with Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa on markers of brain function and hematological parameters through both an experimental and docking predictive approach. Thirty-five female Wistar rats with an average weight of 180 ± 0.5 g were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups of five rats each: ethanol, Nicotiana tabacum, Cannabis sativa, ethanol + Nicotiana tabacum, ethanol + Cannabis sativa, and ethanol + Nicotiana tabacum + Cannabis sativa. The dosage of the substance administered in each group includes 30 ml/kg body weight (BW) of 40% ethanol, 13.44 g/kg BW of Nicotiana tabacum, and 6.72 g/kg BW of Cannabis sativa. Smoke from Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa sativa was inhaled for five minutes while ethanol was given orally. At the end of the 28-day treatment, the rats were euthanized. Brain homogenates underwent biochemical assays and blood parameters were examined. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the ethanol group in comparison to the treated groups and the control group. On the contrary, the groups exposed to Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa smoke, as well as the control group showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in total protein concentration compared to the ethanol group. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in catalase activity in the ethanol group compared to the treated groups and the control group. Furthermore, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in HGB and RDW in groups exposed to Nicotiana tabacum and Cannabis sativa smoke respectively, and in the control group in comparison to the ethanol group. When compared to ethanol and nicotine, delt-9-tetrahydrocannabinol had the highest binding energy across receptor proteins. Ethanol, nicotine, and delt-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interact with brain synaptic receptors to influence brain electrical activity, leading to alterations in biomarkers related to brain function. Hematological parameter changes can be indicative of the toxic effects caused by these substances.