Protective effect of leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus Linn on experimental model of epilepsy

Abstract

Objective: Study the anticonvulsant activity of ethanol extract Pandanus odoratissimus Linn in Swiss albino mice. Research Design and Methods: P. odoratissimus Linn (Pandanaceae) was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in rodents. Animal models used include maximal electroshock test (MES); picrotoxin induced convulsions (PIC) and strychnine induced convulsion - (SIC). Results: Increase in latency to seizures as well as a reduction in duration and frequency of seizures indicated anticonvulsant activity. The selected extract was more effective in all models used except the SIC. P. odoratissimus ethanol extract (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) significantly (P < 0.05-0.01) shortened the duration of convulsions in MES and PIC-induced seizures. Delay in the onset of convulsions in the two tests was significant (P < 0.01). Reduction in the frequency of seizures was also significant (P < 0.05, 0.01) in both tests. P. odoratissimus further delayed the onset of seizures in PIC induced seizures model while producing (66.7% and 83.33%) protection against death in mice. Diazepam (5 mg/kg) and marketed drug sample of P. odoratissimus (0.5 mg/kg) were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs for various models. Diazepam blocked the effect of the extract in the PIC and SIC tests significantly suggesting that P. odoratissimus may be acting by enhancing the effects of the gamma amino butyric acid ergic system. Conclusions: The ethanol extracts of P. odoratissimus Linn possess anticonvulsant activity since it delays the duration and the latency of seizures produced by MES and PIC.