Evaluation of effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera in pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in rats

Abstract

Background: The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera in wistar rats. Methods: An aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera was prepared. The effect of acute and chronic administration of the extract was tested in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in wistar rats. Four groups, each containing 6 rats, were used to evaluate acute and chronic effects of the extract. The four groups were treated with distilled water 10 mL/kg (control group), Valproic acid 200 mg/kg (standard), aqueous extract of C. procera 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. In acute study, PTZ (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was given 1 h after drugs were administered. In chronic study, all drugs were given for 6 weeks following which PTZ was given 1 h after last dose of each drug. The time taken for the onset of myoclonic jerk, seizures and duration of seizures was recorded. GABA levels were estimated in the brain homogenate. Data was analysed by one way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. Results: Acute and chronic administration of the extract significantly increased the time to onset of first clonus and seizures and decreased the total duration of seizures. There was no significant change in GABA levels. Conclusions: Both acute and chronic administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera in Wistar rats inhibited pentylenetetrazole induced seizures in rats.