Duration Of Convulsions Research Articles

Anticonvulsant effect of Portulaca oleracea in experimental animal models

Background: Portulaca oleracea , locally known as Leipak-kundo, which belongs to portulacaceae family is an annual succulent prostrate herb with 15-30 cm long stem, fleshy leaves, and flowers. The plant is used for the treatment of gonorrhea, gum and teeth complaints, scurvy and liver diseases. The constituents of the plant are flavonoids, alkaloids, omega-3 fatty acid, and antioxidants. P. oleracea has been reported to possess hypoglycemic, anti-ulcer, muscle relaxant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Materials and Methods: The anticonvulsant effect of the aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) was studied against seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylentetrazol (PTZ) in albino mice. Results: The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves decreased the duration of hind limb tonic extension phase and recovery time in MES model. It also decreased the time of onset and duration of clonic convulsion induced by PTZ. The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves exhibited significant anticonvulsant effect against MES and PTZ-induced seizures. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of P. oleracea leaves (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) produced significant anticonvulsant effect against MES and PTZ-induced seizures in mice. The aqueous extract of P. oleracea may be potentiating the GABAergic transmission in the central nervous system.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of camel milk in strychnine-induced seizure model

ObjectiveTo discover the use of camel milk as an alternate medicine for the treatment and prevention of convulsions using strychnine-induced seizure model. MethodsThirty animals were divided into three equal groups. Group I was on distilled water, Group II was on camel milk for 15 days prior to experiment and Group III was on reference drug diazepam. On the day of experiment, strychnine was administered in all treatment groups after distilled water, camel milk and diazepam treatments respectively. Animals were observed for 30 min for latency of seizure onset, frequency of convulsions and duration of jerks. The mortality rate was also evaluated for each group. ResultsCamel milk treatment showed significant seizure protection as observed by delayed seizure onset (P ≤ 0.001), decreased total duration of convulsions (P ≤ 0.001) and mortality rate (P ≤ 0.001) when compared with Group I. ConclusionsAnticonvulsant activity of camel milk could be due to potentiation of glycinergic and GABAergic activities both. Antioxidant activity can also amplify its antiepileptic activity. Further studies are required to confirm the exact mechanism of action.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid loaded halloysite nanotubes and in vitro-in vivo evaluation for brain delivery

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a key neurotransmitter where it usually inhibits impulse transmission. GABA release blockage or postsynaptic reaction were determined to provoke epileptic convulsions. The aim of the present study was the development of brain-targeted, nanosized, nontoxic, biocompatible, highly specific formulations. Incorporation of GABA into halloysite nanotubes (HNT) was performed using different methods. Particle size, zeta potential and pH measurements, morphological, thermal, XRD, FTIR analyses and GABA quantification by validated HPLC method were used for the characterization of the systems prepared. Release pattern of GABA from the nanotubes was determined using a dialysis membrane.Following successful incorporation of GABA into HNTs for brain delivery, nanotube formulation coded HNT–GABA H1 was selected for in vivo studies. Smaller particle size with narrow size distribution, possible HNT–GABA interaction indicated by thermal, XRD and FTIR analyses and prolonged release were the parameters considered in this selection. Moreover, HNT–GABA H1 remained stable for 3-month storage period and showed higher cell viability values than GABA. Rats were used in in vivo studies and potential of anticonvulsant effect of GABA was determined in the pentylenetetrazole model of seizure. HNT–GABA H1 was found to increase latency of seizure, decrease ending time of the convulsion, duration of severe convulsion and mortality rate significantly compared to pure GABA. After administration of HNT–GABA H1, GABA concentration in Stratum corsatum measured by enzyme immune assay showed that it was not significantly higher than GABA administered alone.These findings suggest that GABA loaded HNTs reduces the duration of all phases of convulsion indicating efficient delivery of GABA to all brain areas to interfere with epileptic mechanism.

Predictive score for early diagnosis of acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD)

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) at onset manifests an early seizure (ES) usually lasting more than 30min. Following ES, some patients exhibit almost clear consciousness with no neurological symptoms, and no MRI abnormality for a few days, which may lead to an initial misdiagnosis of prolonged febrile seizures (PFS). To allow an early diagnosis of AESD, we retrospectively analyzed clinical manifestations, laboratory data, and radiologic and EEG findings in patients with AESD (n=62) having ES of over 30min, and ones with PFS (n=54), using logistic regression analyses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an age below 1.5years and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14 or less than 14 (Japan Coma Scale score of 1 or higher) were high risk factors of developing AESD. We proposed an AESD prediction score system consisting of consciousness level, age, duration of convulsions, enforcement of mechanical intubation, and aspartate aminotransferase, blood glucose and creatinine levels (full score: 9), the mean scores in AESD and PFS being 5.9 and 1.8, which were significantly different (p<0.001). We herein propose a scoring system for differentiating patients with AESD and PFS around the time of ES (score of 4 or more than 4 suggesting AESD), which may contribute to early therapeutic intervention and an improved neurologic outcome.

Anticonvulsant activity of Granisetron in Albino mice

The objective of this study was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of 5-HT 3 antagonist, granisetron in albino mice. In this study granisetron (0.5mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 minutes prior to application of electroshock (60mA, 02.seconds) or administration of pentylenetetrazole. Granisetron significantly reduced the duration of tonic hind limb extension in maximum electroshock seizure (MES) test. In pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test, granisetron delayed the onset and the decreased the duration of convulsions compared to control group. The percentage of animals protected in MES and PTZ models were 66 and 83 respectively. The results showed that granisetron at dose of 0.5mg possess anticonvulsant activity in both MES and PTZ models.

Anticonvulsant activity of extracts from six Cameroonian plants traditionally used to treat epilepsy

Epilepsy remains one of the leading public health problems that affects about 50 million people worldwide, thus stressing the need for new anticonvulsant drug. This study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity against Penty lenetetrazole induced–convulsion in mice. Plants were extracted by maceration with water or organic solvents. The extracts were tested against PTZ-induced convulsion by measuring onset seizure, clonic seizure onset, convulsion duration, death time and percentage of protection. A. cordifolia leaf extract protected all animals from death at 1000 mg/kg. A. muricata stem extract delayed seizures at 200 and 400 mg/kg, while the onset of tonicoclonic (TC) seizures was significantly delayed at the highest doses tested for the seed extract (800 mg/kg). Stem and leaf extracts of A. senegalensis significantly delayed seizure onset at all doses. D. adescendes extract significantly protected mice from death. F. thonningii leaf extract at the smallest dose tested (200 mg/kg), significantly delayed the seizure onset and the occurrence of TC convulsions. Bark extract of V. doniana significantly delayed the seizure onset at all doses tested. The results obtained corroborate with the traditional claims that these plants can be a valuable source of new anticonvulsant compounds.Keywords: Plant extracts, PTZ-induced seizures, anticonvulsant effect, mice.

EFFECT OF NIMODIPINE AND DICLOFENAC IN EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED CONVULSIONS USING INH AND ELECTRO CONVULSOMETER IN RATS AND MICE

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of Nimodipine and combined effect of Nimodipine and Diclofenac in experimentally induced seizures in Rats and Mice taking distilled water as control. Material and methods : Male wistar rats weighing 150-180gms and albino mice of average weight 20-30gms were used.All the preparations were administered intraperitoneally. Convulsions were induced electrically by electroconvulsometer and chemically by INH. The following parameters with electrically induced convulsions are recorded. a)duration of convulsions, b)duration of hind limb extension, c)post ictal depression followed by recovery. With chemically induced convulsions using INH the following parameters are recorded a)onset of convulsions, b)type of convulsions, c)duration of convulsions. Distilled water is used as control. Drugs are given 30 minutes before the electrically and chemically induced convulsions. Effect of Nimodipine and combined effect of Nimodipine and Diclofenac were studied. Results : Nimodipine has reduced the duration of convulsions, hind limb extension, delayed the onset of convulsions and recovery from postictal depression was fast from electric shock. Combined effect of Nimodipine and Diclofenac has an improved effect in duration of convulsions, hind limb extension and recovery when compared with that of Nimodipine alone. Observation: Statistic ANOVA test show significant P value <0.0001 in electrical method and chemical method .The results obtained in this study provide supporting pharmacological evidence of improved efficacy possible potential benefit of combining Nimodipine with Diclofenac in epilepsy. Keywords: Isoniazid(INH), Nimodipine with Diclofenac in epilepsy, anticonvulsant effect, improved effect in duration of convulsions

Analgesic, antiepileptic, and behavioral study of Mimosa pudica (Linn.) on experimental rodents

Objective: Mimosa pudica (M. pudica) Linn. (family: Mimosaceae) is a traditionally used folk medicine to treat various ailments including convulsion, alopecia, diarrhea, dysentery, insomnia, tumor, wound, snake bite, etc., Here, the study was aimed to evaluate the potential on antiepileptic, analgesic, and motor activities of M. pudica leaves on rodents. Materials and Methods: In an acute toxicity study, the extracts were administered in doses of 50-2,000 mg/kg/p.o. and behavioral changes were observed for up to 24 h. For a pharmacological study, the ethyl acetate extract of M. pudica (EAMP) leaves in doses of 100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, and 400 mg/kg/day were orally administered for consecutive 7 days to animals. The antiepileptic study was evaluated by inducing electric shock, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), and isoniazid (INH) in mice, whereas the motor activity test was performed by using an actophotometer, rotarod test, and traction test in mice. The analgesic activity was done by hot-plate, tail flick, and acetic acid-induced writhing in rats. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett's test. Results: The EAMP showed dose-dependent analgesic activity by increasing the reaction time as compared to the vehicle control. Similarly, the motor performance was improved in dose-dependent manner as compared to standard. The doses (100 mg/kg/day, 200 mg/kg/day, 400 mg/kg/day) of the extract significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) reduced the duration of seizures induced by maximal electro shock (MES) and delayed the onset of tonic-clonic seizures produced by PTZ and INH. All the tested doses significantly prevented the latency and duration of convulsion against seizure inducers as compared to the vehicle controls. Conclusion: These results revealed that the EAMP possesses potent analgesic, antiepileptic, and motor activities on animals. This could be an effective treatment option for various motor or seizure disorders.

Evaluation of neuropharmacological effects of aqueous leaf extract of Albizia glaberrima (Leguminosae) in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAlbizia glaberrima is a shrub found in the deciduous forest and jungle of the coastal plain of West Africa. Preparations of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of fever, pain and central nervous system disorders, including epilepsy. This study was conducted to investigate the neuropharmacological effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Albizia glaberrima in mice. Materials and methodsThe hole-board, elevated plus-maze, thiopentone-induced sleep (anxiolytic/sedative-hypnotic), traction, climbing, inclined screen (muscle relaxant), strychnine-, picrotoxin- and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion (anticonvulsant) tests were employed in this study. ResultsAlbizia glaberrima extract at 200mg/kg significantly increased the duration of head dips (p<0.05) and number of open arms entry (p<0.01) compared with control in the hole-board and elevated plus-maze tests, respectively. At 400mg/kg, Albizia glaberrima extract significantly reduced the number of sectional crossings relative to control. The extract at 400mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) increased the duration of sleep compared with control in the thiopentone-induced hypnosis test. Albizia glaberrima extract at 200mg/kg and diazepam (5mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05, 0.01) increased the post-treatment climbing time and reduced the latency to slide down in the climbing and inclined screen tests, respectively. The extract was not effective in the strychnine-induced seizure model, while in the picrotoxin test Albizia glaberrima extract at 100mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) reduced the duration of convulsion while reducing mortality at 400mg/kg, as was the case with diazepam (2mg/kg). The extract and diazepam significantly (p<0.01, 0.001) increased onset and reduced duration of convulsion, with significant level of protection against convulsion and reduction in mortality in the PTZ-induced seizure model. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of phenols>tannins>saponins>flavonoids. The extract was found to be relatively non-toxic when administered p.o. up to 5000mg/kg and the LD50 was 398.11mg/kg when administered i.p. ConclusionsThe aqueous leaf extract of Albizia glaberrima possesses dose-dependent anxiolytic/muscle relaxant (low dose) and sedative-hypnotic/anticonvulsant (high dose) activities possibly mediated via enhancement of GABAergic inhibitory actions.

Anticonvulsant activity of the ethanolic extract of Punica granatum L. seed

Objective:Various morphological parts of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) have extensively been used in the folk medicine to treat an array of human ailments. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anticonvulsant potential of the ethanolic extract of P. granatum L. seed in chemoconvulsant-induced seizures in mice.Method:The anticonvulsant activity of the ethanolic extract was investigated in strychnine (STR)-induced and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure models in mice. Diazepam was used as reference anticonvulsant drug. Ethanolic extract (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg per os, p.o.), diazepam (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally, i.p.), and distilled water (10 ml/kg, i.p.) were administered before induction of seizures by PTZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) or STR (2·5 mg/kg, i.p.). The latent time before the onset of convulsions, the duration of convulsions, the percentage of seizure protection, and mortality rate were recorded.Results:The seed ethanolic extract did not show any toxicity and did not protect the animals against seizures but demonstrated a significant increase in seizure latency at 300 and 600 mg/kg in both STR and PTZ seizure models (P < 0·001). It also showed a significant reduction in seizure duration at 300 mg/kg (P < 0·05) and 600 mg/kg (P < 0·001) in the STR seizure model and 600 mg/kg (P < 0·01) in the PTZ seizure model compared with the control group.Conclusion:Ethanol extract has dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity against STR- and PTZ-induced seizures. This activity might be due to its saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and alkaloids ingredients.

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor channel blockers prevent pentylenetetrazole‐induced convulsions and morphological changes in rat brain neurons

Alterations in inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission play a central role in the etiology of epilepsy, with overstimulation of glutamate receptors influencing epileptic activity and corresponding neuronal damage. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which belong to a class of ionotropic glutamate receptors, play a primary role in this process. This study compared the anticonvulsant properties of two NMDA receptor channel blockers, memantine and 1-phenylcyclohexylamine (IEM-1921), in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model of seizures in rats and investigated their potencies in preventing PTZ-induced morphological changes in the brain. The anticonvulsant properties of IEM-1921 (5 mg/kg) were more pronounced than those of memantine at the same dose. IEM-1921 and memantine decreased the duration of convulsions by 82% and 37%, respectively. Both compounds were relatively effective at preventing the tonic component of seizures but not myoclonic seizures. Memantine significantly reduced the lethality caused by PTZ-induced seizures from 42% to 11%, and all animals pretreated with IEM-1921 survived. Morphological examination of the rat brain 24 hr after administration of PTZ revealed alterations in the morphology of 20-25% of neurons in the neocortex and the hippocampus, potentially induced by excessive glutamate. The expression of the excitatory amino acid transporter 1 protein was increased in the hippocampus of the PTZ-treated rats. However, dark neurons did not express caspase-3 and were immunopositive for the neuronal nuclear antigen protein, indicating that these neurons were alive. Both NMDA antagonists prevented neuronal abnormalities in the brain. These results suggest that NMDA receptor channel blockers might be considered possible neuroprotective agents for prolonged seizures or status epilepticus leading to neuronal damage.

Antiepileptic activity of ellagic acid, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, in mice

Acute and chronic effects of ellagic acid on pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin-induced convulsions were evaluated in Swiss young male albino mice. Ellagic acid (20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) and diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) per se were administered once for acute treatment and 14 successive days for chronic treatment. Pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg, i.p.) induced tonic and clonic convulsions, but picrotoxin (6 mg/kg, i.p.) induced only tonic convulsions. Acute administration of higher dose (40 mg/kg) and chronic administration of both the doses of ellagic acid significantly delayed onset of convulsions, decreased duration of clonic and tonic convulsions; and reduced mortality as compared to pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin treated control. Ellagic acid also reversed pentylenetetrazole and picrotoxin-induced decrease in brain GABA levels. Acute and chronic administration of diazepam showed significant anticonvulsant activity and increased brain GABA levels. Thus, ellagic acid showed significant antiepileptic activity in mice probably through increase of GABAergic transmission in brain.

Evaluation of Antiepileptic Activity of Methanolic Leaves Extract of &lt;i&gt;Tragia involucrata&lt;/i&gt; Linn. in Mice

The present investigation was aimed to study an antiepileptic activity of methanolic extract of Tragia involucrata Linn in mice. In vivo screening models like maximal electroshock-induced convulsion (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PTX) induced models are used to evaluate the antiepileptic effects of the extracts. The biochemical estimation was done by measuring the lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH). In the MES induced convulsion, methanolic extract of Tragia involucrata (METI) at high dose (800 mg/kg body weight), showed high significant inhibition on tonic hind limb extension (THLE, 6.83 ±0.30***) and decrease in duration of stupor period (108.7 ±6.53***). In PTZ and PTX induced model METI (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant delay on the onset of convulsions, decreased duration of convulsion and reduced mortality significantly. It also showed significant decrease in brain MDA level in lipid peroxidation profile, and increase in the brain glutathione levels in mice against PTZ induced convulsion. The results confirmed that Tragia involucrata Linn possesses dose dependent antiepileptic activity.

Evaluation of Antiepileptic Activity of Methanolic Leaves Extract of &lt;i&gt;Tragia involucrata&lt;/i&gt; Linn. in Mice

The present investigation was aimed to study an antiepileptic activity of methanolic extract of Tragia involucrata Linn in mice. In vivo screening models like maximal electroshock-induced convulsion (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and picrotoxin (PTX) induced models are used to evaluate the antiepileptic effects of the extracts. The biochemical estimation was done by measuring the lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH). In the MES induced convulsion, methanolic extract of Tragia involucrata (METI) at high dose (800 mg/kg body weight), showed high significant inhibition on tonic hind limb extension (THLE, 6.83 ±0.30***) and decrease in duration of stupor period (108.7 ±6.53***). In PTZ and PTX induced model METI (400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) showed significant delay on the onset of convulsions, decreased duration of convulsion and reduced mortality significantly. It also showed significant decrease in brain MDA level in lipid peroxidation profile, and increase in the brain glutathione levels in mice against PTZ induced convulsion. The results confirmed that Tragia involucrata Linn possesses dose dependent antiepileptic activity.

Evaluation of Clinical Features of 238 Cases with Febrile Convulsion

Objective: Febrile convulsion (FC) is defined as a seizure triggered by fever in children between 6 months and 5 years of age without an underlying central nervous system infection. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical features including demographics, laboratory findings, and causes of fever with FC duration among inpatients diagnosed and treated for FC. Methods: A total of 238 patients with the diagnosis of FC between May 2009 and May 2012 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were analyzed. Results: One hundred and thirty nine patients (58.5%) were male and 99 (41.5%) were female, with a male/female ratio of 1.4. Mean age of the patients admitted with a first FC was 2.2 ± 1.1 years. The mean temperature of the patients measured rectally during the seizure was 38.7 ± 0.5 oC. Febrile convulsion was diagnosed as simple type in 198 (83.2%) and complex type in 40 (16.8%) of the patients. Thirty three (13.8%) patients developed a second seizure within 24 hours. Median convulsion duration was 2 (1-5) minutes. The most frequent fever etiology was upper respiratory tract infection in 131 (55%) cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that benign conditions, such as upper respiratory tract infections, were common causes of FC. A conservative approach should be more appropriate in these cases.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors prolong seizures – Preliminary results from an observational study

ObjectiveSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used in the treatment of depressive disorders in patients with epilepsy. Pro- and anti-convulsive effects of SSRIs are discussed controversially. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible impact of SSRIs-treatment on duration of EEG and clinical features in epilepsy patients. MethodsWe studied video-EEG data from 162 patients with focal epilepsies between January 2006 and March 2008 using a case–control study design. Eleven patients with 19 complex focal seizures (CFSs) and 16 secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (sGTCSs) treated with SSRIs (SSRIs+) were matched to 13 patients without SSRIs-treatment (SSRIs−). We compared duration of ictal EEG in CFSs and sGTCSs, duration of convulsions in sGTCSs and duration of postictal EEG suppression after sGTCSs in SSRIs+ and SSRIs− patients. ResultsIctal EEG duration of both, CFSs and sGTCSs, was significantly longer in SSRIs+ patients than in SSRIs− patients (p=0.004 and p=0.015, respectively). No significant difference was found between convulsive phase duration of sGTCSs as well as duration of postictal EEG suppression after sGTCSs in both groups. ConclusionSeizures last significantly longer in patients with epilepsy and SSRIs as co-medication. A causative role of SSRIs in ictal activity has to be explored in prospective studies.

Non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor ligands incorporating antiepileptic moieties

A small series of histamine H3 receptor (H3R) ligands (1–5) incorporating different antiepileptic structural motifs has been newly synthesized. All compounds exhibited moderate to high in vitro hH3R affinities up to a sub-nanomolar concentration range with pKi values in the range of 6.25–9.62 with varying preferences for this receptor subtype. The compounds (1–5) were further investigated in vivo on anticonvulsant effects against maximum electroshock (MES)-induced and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled convulsions in rats having phenytoin (PHT) as the reference antiepileptic drug (AED). Surprisingly, animals pretreated with 1 mg/kg, i.p. of 5,5-diphenyl-3-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (4) were only moderately protected and no protection was observed for compounds 1–3 and 5 in three different doses (1 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg/kg i.p.). Compound 4 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to modify PTZ-kindled convulsion. However, a dose of 10 mg/kg significantly reduced convulsions in both models. In contrast, 5,5-diphenyl-3-(4-(3-(piperidin-1-yl)propoxy)benzyl)imidazolidine-2,4-dione (5) (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) showed proconvulsant effects in the MES model with further confirmation of these results in the PTZ model as no protection was observed against convulsion in the doses tested (1 and 10 mg/kg). In addition, compound 4 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolonged myoclonic latency time and shortened total convulsion duration when compared to control, PHT or standard H3R inverse agonist/antagonist pitolisant (PIT). Our results showed that H3R pharmacophores could successfully be structurally combined to antiepileptic moieties, especially phenytoin partial structures, maintaining the H3R affinity. However, the new derivatives for multiple-target approaches in epilepsy models are complex and show that pharmacophore elements are not easily pharmacologically combinable.

Anticonvulsant activity of Aloe vera leaf extract in acute and chronic models of epilepsy in mice

The effect of Aloe vera in epilepsy has not yet been explored. This study was done to explore the effect of aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf powder on three acute and one chronic model of epilepsy. In acute study, aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder was administered in doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Dose of 400 mg/kg of Aloe vera leaf extract was chosen for chronic administration. Oxidative stress parameters viz. malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were also estimated in brain of kindled animals. In acute study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder in a dose-dependent manner significantly decreased duration of tonic hind limb extension in maximal electroshock seizure model, increased seizure threshold current in increasing current electroshock seizure model, and increased latency to onset and decreased duration of clonic convulsion in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model as compared with control group. In chronic study, Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder prevented progression of kindling in PTZ-kindled mice. Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder 400 mg/kg p.o. also reduced brain levels of MDA and increased GSH levels as compared to the PTZ-kindled non-treated group. The results of study showed that Aloe vera leaf (extract) powder possessed significant anticonvulsant and anti-oxidant activity.

Anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic seed extract of croton tiglium in rats and mice.

The study was aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of hydro-alcoholic seed extract of croton tiglium in rats and mice. Forty -eight each of rats and mice of either sex were randomised into four groups and subjected to seizures induced by electroconvulsiometer and pentylenetetrazole. The hydroalcoholic seed extract of croton tiglium (250 and 500mg/kg) was studied for its anticonvulsant effect using sodium valproate (200mg/kg) as standard and distilled water as control. The parameters observed were time for onset of HLE (Hind Limb Extension) and duration of HLE in electrically induced seizures, and time for onset of convulsions and duration of convulsions in chemically induced seizures. Mortality of the animals over 24 hours was observed in both the models. For testing statistical significance between various groups unpaired student t-test was used. In electrically induced seizures croton tiglium produced dose dependant prolongation of time for onset of HLE and a reduction in duration of HLE and in chemically induced convulsions, it prolonged time for onset of convulsions and reduced the duration of convulsions indicating its anticonvulsant effect in both models. However, anticonvulsant effect was less compared to sodium valproate. There was a higher percentage of mortality in croton tiglium group in chemically induced convulsions when compared to sodium valproate. Croton tiglium has dose dependant anticonvulsant effect in electrically induced seizures, while in pentylenetetrazole induced-seizures the protection is very minimal.

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

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.