Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of the ethanol extract of the roots of the Flemingia chappar (ERFC) on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice.Methods: The ethanol extract of the roots of F. chappar in doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o., was studied in mice for its sedative effect by evaluating its locomotor activity; its hypnotic effect was assessed by measuring pentobarbital–induced sleeping time, while anticonvulsant effect was determined by evaluating its activity on maximal electroshock–induced and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The latency of tonic convulsions and number of animals protected from tonic convulsions were noted.Results: ERFC (200 - 600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased locomotor activity. ERFC also produced dose-dependent prolongation of pentobarbitone sleeping time. In addition, ERFC (400 and 600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the duration of seizure induced by maximal electroshock (MES), The same dose also protected from pentylenetetrazol-induced tonic seizures and significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the onset of tonic seizures.Conclusion: The results indicate that the ethanol root extract of F. chappar has sedative and anticonvulsant activities, thus justifying its use in traditional medicine for epilepsyKeywords: Flemingia chappar, Anticonvulsant activity, Pentylenetetrazole , Electroshock seizure, CNS depressant.
Highlights
Epilepsy and seizure are synonymous terms describing chronic neurological dysfunction characterized by recurrent, spontaneous seizures [1]
The proposed mechanism for the generation and spread of seizure activity within the brain include abnormalities in the membrane properties of the neurons, changes in the ionic micro-environment surrounding the neuron, decreased inhibitory neurotransmission, which is primarily mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or enhanced excitatory neurotransmission which is primarily mediated by the amino acid glutamate [2]
Medicinal plants used for the therapy of epilepsy in traditional medicine have been shown to possess promising anticonvulsant activities in animal models
Summary
Epilepsy and seizure are synonymous terms describing chronic neurological dysfunction characterized by recurrent, spontaneous seizures [1]. Seizures can be viewed as resulting from an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory process in the brain. The proposed mechanism for the generation and spread of seizure activity within the brain include abnormalities in the membrane properties of the neurons, changes in the ionic micro-environment surrounding the neuron, decreased inhibitory neurotransmission, which is primarily mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), or enhanced excitatory neurotransmission which is primarily mediated by the amino acid glutamate [2]. Several antiepileptic drugs are available to treat epilepsy. These antiepileptic drugs often cause many side effects such as chronic toxicity and teratogenicity [3]. It is possible to discover novel lead anti-seizure drugs from these plants that could offer protection against seizures by known or other mechanisms [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
