Abstract
Convulsion is a typical symptom associated with epilepsy. Jatropha gossypifolia, a common plant in Ghana, has been used traditionally for the management of epilepsy. This study was carried out to ascertain the scientific basis for the traditional utility of Jatropha gossypifolia for various convulsive disorders and also determine the part of the plant with the most anticonvulsant activity. The anticonvulsant activity of the leaf, root, and fruit extracts in doses of 30–300 mg/kg was assessed using the picrotoxin-induced seizure models in mice. The drugs and chemical preparations used included diazepam, picrotoxin, ethanol (70%), and normal saline. GraphPad Prism 6 was used for all statistical analysis and plotting of graphs. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. The leaf extract significantly and dose-independently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks (P=0.0001) and decreased the duration of clonic convulsions (P=0.019). The root extract also significantly and dose-dependently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks (P=0.001) but only decreased the frequency of tonic convulsions at 100 mg/kg (P=0.006). It also significantly decreased the duration of tonic convulsions (P=0.0001). The fruit extract only significantly and dose-independently reduced the frequency of myoclonic jerks (P=0.0001). It, however, showed an increase in the duration of both clonic and tonic convulsions. The study shows that the leaves and roots of Jatropha gossypifolia produce anticonvulsant activity which may be through enhancement of GABAergic transmission or activation of GABA receptors which support the traditional use of the plant to treat epileptic fits.
Highlights
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by spontaneous recurring seizures that may arise from a focal area of the brain or diffusely resulting in various seizures culminating in episodic neuronal discharge [1, 2]
J. gossypifolia has been scarcely studied with regard to its anticonvulsant effects even though its use in this regard by the local folks is enormous. e outcome of studying the influence of J. gossypifolia on reversing picrotoxin-induced convulsion provide evidence that the aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaf and root of J. gossypifolia possesses anticonvulsant properties and may be of use in various forms of seizures
E mechanism of picrotoxin antagonism of ionotropic GABA receptors is still controversial. at notwithstanding, clear differences in affinity have been demonstrated by picrotoxin and other chloride channel blockers on GABAA and GABAC receptors [25, 26]
Summary
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by spontaneous recurring seizures that may arise from a focal area of the brain or diffusely resulting in various seizures culminating in episodic neuronal discharge [1, 2]. It was observed that pharmacological agents currently in clinical use inhibit seizures, but it is uncertain whether or not they can prevent the development of epilepsy [3]. It has been found that stigma is positively associated with incomplete seizure control and poor psychosocial outcomes for people with epilepsy (PWE) [10]. Jatropha gossypifolia is commonly used as an anticonvulsant in Ghana, there is a paucity of data on its anticonvulsant activity. In bridging this gap, there is a need to establish more robust scientific support for its traditional use. Is study sought to demonstrate the anticonvulsant activity of the roots, leaves, and fruits of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae) There is a need to establish more robust scientific support for its traditional use. is study sought to demonstrate the anticonvulsant activity of the roots, leaves, and fruits of Jatropha gossypifolia (Euphorbiaceae)
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