Anticonvulsant effect of Portulaca oleracea in experimental animal models

Abstract

Background: Portulaca oleracea , locally known as Leipak-kundo, which belongs to portulacaceae family is an annual succulent prostrate herb with 15-30 cm long stem, fleshy leaves, and flowers. The plant is used for the treatment of gonorrhea, gum and teeth complaints, scurvy and liver diseases. The constituents of the plant are flavonoids, alkaloids, omega-3 fatty acid, and antioxidants. P. oleracea has been reported to possess hypoglycemic, anti-ulcer, muscle relaxant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and Methods: The anticonvulsant effect of the aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied against seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylentetrazol (PTZ) in albino mice. Results: The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves decreased the duration of hind limb tonic extension phase and recovery time in MES model. It also decreased the time of onset and duration of clonic convulsion induced by PTZ. The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves exhibited significant anticonvulsant effect against MES and PTZ-induced seizures. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) produced significant anticonvulsant effect against MES and PTZ-induced seizures in mice. The aqueous extract of P. oleracea may be potentiating the GABAergic transmission in the central nervous system.