Anticonvulsant studies on the isolated compounds from the leaves of Scurrula parasitica L (Loranthaceae)

Abstract

The leaves of Scurrula parasitica were effectively extracted by means of cold extraction method. Fractionation and purification of the n -hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol crude extracts yielded eight compounds. The compounds were identified as quercetin 1 , quercitrin 2 , kaempferol 3- O -a-L-rhamnoside 3 , (+)-catechin 4 , lupeol 5 , lupeol palmitate 6 , b-sitosterol 7 and squalene 8 . Compounds 1 , 4 , 5 and 6 were investigated for anticonvulsant potentials using maximal electroshock test in chicks and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure test in mice while the effect of the compounds on motor coordination was investigated using beam walking assay in mice. The compounds did not completely protect the mice against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, but increased the mean onset of myoclonic jerks and spasms in the animals. Quercetin significantly ( p < 0.05) increased the mean onset of spasm in the unprotected animals. The compounds also differentially protected the mice against mortality. Conversely, the compounds did not protect the chick against the MEST. Similarly, they did not significantly reduce the recovery time. In the beam walking assay, the increase in the number of foot slips observed in the study may be associated with the interaction of quercetin and (+)-catechin with the GABA system to produce clinical sedation. The findings of the present study suggest that the isolated compounds possess some mild anticonvulsant potential and may be beneficial in the management of petit mal epilepsy.