Duration Of Hind Limb Extension Research Articles

Potential Mechanisms Involved in the Anticonvulsant Effect of Recombinant Human VEGF on Maximal Electroshock-induced Seizure

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of seizure. The oxidant/antioxidant factors and miRNA expression in the brain are differentially regulated in seizure. Objectives: We aim to investigate the potential mechanism of action for the recombinant human VEGF (rhVEGF) in mice with maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure. Materials & Methods: A total of 40 male mice (weight: 20-25 g) were treated intraperitoneally with normal saline, or rhVEGF (50, 100, and 150 µg/kg, daily for 4 consecutive days). One hour after the last injection, seizures were induced in each animal by MES. The latency for the onset of the first clonus and the duration of hind limb extension (HLE) were recorded. The levels of nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and micoRNA-142-5p expression were determined in the hippocampus of mice. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability was also estimated by Evans blue dye extravasation method. Results: The administration of rhVEGF at all doses significantly reduced the HLE duration. However, latency for the seizure onset increased after administration of 50 and 150 μg/kg rhVEGF and decreased after administration of 100 μg/kg rhVEGF. In the brain, the NO level decreased, while TAC level and microRNA-142-5p expression increased by rhVEGF treatment in mice with MES-induced seizure. Pretreatment with rhVEGF at doses of 100 and 150 μg/kg reversed the increase in BBB leakage induced by MES-induced seizures. Conclusion: The rhVEGF administration can prevent MES-induced seizures by regulating NO, TAC, and miR-142-5 expression levels in the hippocampus and reducing BBB leakage in mice.

Influence of methadone on the anticonvulsant efficacy of valproate sodium gabapentin against maximal electroshock seizure in mice by regulation of brain MDA TNF-α.

Methadone is the most frequently used opioid therapy worldwide, with controversial effects on oxidative stress homeostasis. This study investigated the effects of intraperitoneal (i.p.) co-administration of methadone (0.1, 0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) and valproate sodium (300 mg/kg) or gabapentin (50 mg/kg) in the mice maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure model. The adverse effect of drugs was assessed using the chimney test. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were measured in mice brains after a single seizure. Administration of methadone alone resulted in a significant reduction in the duration of hind limb extension (HLE) than that in the control group. Methadone pretreatment at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg i.p. decreased, and at doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg i.p. had an increasing effect on anticonvulsant efficacy of gabapentin. Pretreatment with all doses of methadone significantly decreased the valproate anticonvulsive efficacy. At doses of 1 and 3 mg/kg i.p. methadone per se increased brain MDA levels after MES-induced seizure. Administration of methadone (0.3 mg/kg i.p.) enhanced and at 3 mg/kg decreased gabapentin effect on brain MDA level, but their co-treatment did not lead to further increase in MDA. Methadone at 0.3–3 mg/kg enhanced the effect of sodium valproate on MDA levels in the brain, but at all doses significantly potentiated its effect on brain TNF-α levels. The drugs did not produce any side effects on motor coordination in experimental animals. In conclusion, methadone showed different effects on anticonvulsant actions of gabapentin and valproate through regulation of brain levels of MDA and TNF-α.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Helianthus tuberosus Against Maximal Electroshock Induced Convulsions in Rats

Epilepsy is an episodic brain dysfunction featured by recurring erratic spontaneous seizures followed by cognitive, social, neurobiological, and psychological consequences. Conventional anti-epileptic drugs are associated with several untoward effects, and hence long-term treatment compliance is a major problem in the management of epilepsy. Herbal drugs have shown promising efficacy as potent anticonvulsants in the past few years. In light of this, the anticonvulsant effect of alcoholic extract of leaves of Helianthus tuberosus (AHT) against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions was investigated. In the present investigation, an indigenous plant, H. tuberosus was studied for its protective effect against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in Wistar albino rats. The rats were pre-treated with different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) of alcoholic extract of leaves of H. tuberosus for 14 days, and then, they were subjected to maximal electroshock seizures (40 mA for 0.2 seconds) treatment. Alcoholic extract of leaves of H. tuberosus at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension and the protection of rats against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. The reference standards phenytoin (20 mg/kg) provided complete protection. Thus, the present study revealed an anticonvulsant effect of H. tuberosus against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in rats.

Protective Effect of Cucurbita maxima against Maximal Electroshock Induced Convulsions

In the present investigation, an indigenous plant, Cucurbita maxima was studied for its protective effect against maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions in Wistar albino rats. The rats were pretreated with different doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of seeds of Cucurbita maxima for 14 days and then, they were subjected to maximal electroshock seizures (40 mA for 0.2 sec) treatment. Hydroalcoholic extract of Cucurbita maxima seeds at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension along with the protection of rats against maximal electroshock induced seizures. The reference standard i.e., phenytoin (20 mg/kg) provided complete protection. Thus, present study revealed anticonvulsant effect of Cucurbita maxima against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in rats.

Pharmacological Screening of Rhizome of Curcuma amada roxb. in Rodent models

This is the first report to screen scientifically an anticonvulsant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada in different animal models. The results revealed that treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada protected against MES and PTZ-induced convulsions and mortality, and these effects were comparable with standard anticonvulsant agents. In order to evaluate the therapeutic value of hydroalcoholic extract as anticonvulsant, we tested its influence in different animal models viz., PTZ and MES-induced seizures in Swiss albino mice. In MES induced seizure model, hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada dose dependently decreased duration of hind limb extension that was comparable to that of diazepam. The mechanism by which hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada produced anticonvulsant effect against MES-induced seizures is not known. We also tested the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Curcuma amada against convulsions induced by PTZ, an agent widely reported to induce convulsion by inhibition and/or attenuation of GABA-ergic neurotransmission.

Aqueous Extract of Wood Ear Mushroom, Auricularia polytricha (Agaricomycetes), Demonstrated Antiepileptic Activity against Seizure Induced by Maximal Electroshock and Isoniazid in Experimental Animals.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. This article describes a study of the antiepileptic effect of A. polytricha, a mushroom that is used traditionally for treating asthma, rheumatism, tumors, cough, fever, and epilepsy, and for its antimicrobial effect. We carried out toxicity studies to identify a standard dose of A. polytricha aqueous extract; maximal electroshock (MES)- and isoniazid (INH)-induced seizures in albino mice were used to screen for the extract's antiepileptic activity. Per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Guideline 423, up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of extract was toxic. Animals were treated with aqueous extract at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight. Phenytoin was used as the reference anticonvulsant drug for comparison. The investigation found a significant interruption in INH-induced clonic seizure. During MES, we found a reduction in the period of hind leg extensor phase; mice exhibited a significant decrease in the duration of hind limb extension after being treated with 400 and 600 mg/kg doses of A. polytricha. Comparable results were obtained in the INH group, as the extract seemed to delay the onset of a clonic seizure. The aqueous extract of A. polytricha showed antiepileptic action against MES- and INH-induced epilepsy in the mice. This extract, however, requires additional study in order to completely explain its active ingredients and their mechanisms of action.

EVALUATION OF ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF PREMNA HERBACEA (ROXB.) EXTRACTS IN PENTYLENETETRAZOL AND MAXIMAL ELECTROSHOCK-INDUCED CONVULSIONS IN MICE

Objective: In the present study, three different extracts of Pemna herbacea (Roxb.) were evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced convulsions in mice.Methods: The shed-dried powder of P. herbacea roots was passed through a sieve and subjected to extraction using Soxhlet apparatus with 70% ethanol, petroleum ether, and chloroform to get respective extracts named as ethanolic extract of P. herbacea, petroleum ether extract of P. herbacea, and chloroform extract of P. herbacea (PHC). Preliminary phytochemical analysis and acute oral toxicity study were done. Thereafter, the extracts were analyzed for PTZ- and MES-induced convulsions.Results: The results revealed that PHC at the doses 200 and 400 mg/kg was effective against both, i.e., PTZ- and MES-induced convulsions. Overall PHC 400 mg/kg was most effective, as it significantly delayed onset of convulsions (p<0.01) and reduced % mortality (50%) in PTZ model, while in MES model, it showed the highest reduction in duration of hind limb extension (p<0.01) and percentage protection (33.33%).Conclusion: The results reported anticonvulsant potential of PHC against both PTZ- and MES-induced convulsions suggesting mixed mechanism of action which may be attributed to different phytochemicals acting simultaneously.

Alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem) root has no anticonvulsant activity in rodents

Background: Although roots of neem plant have established pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic, there are contradictory results as far as anticonvulsant activity is concerned. Hence, the present study was undertaken to explore the anticonvulsant activity of neem roots. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study the anticonvulsant activity of alcoholic extract of neem root. Materials and Methods: In maximal electroshock method (maximal electroshock seizure), a total of 30 albino rats of either sex weighing 200–250 g were used and divided into six groups. The control group received 2 ml of distilled water orally daily for 15 days. The standard group received phenobarbitone 20 mg/kg i.p. The test groups received orally neem leaf extract at the dose of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. Convulsions were produced by 150 mA current for 0.2 s on day 1, 3, 5, and 10 using electroconvulsiometer. Change in duration of hind limb extension was measured. In the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method, PTZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg i.p was given to produce convulsion in all mice. A total of 30 mice were divided into five groups of six animals. The control group received orally 2 ml of distilled water daily for 15 days. The standard group received diazepam 4 mg/kg i.p. daily for 15 days. The test group received orally NLE at the dose of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 15 days. The onset of clonic convulsions and the total number of clonic convulsions in 20 min was observed. Results: The mean duration of hind limb extension in test group before the highest dose of neem extract (800 mg) administration was 8.7 ± 0.3 and after 15 days it was 8.8 ± 0.21. The mean onset of convulsions and mean number of convulsions in 20 min in the test group with highest dose of neem extract (800 mg) administration was 3.44 ± 0.24 and 42 ± 0.76, respectively, and there was no significant difference when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The alcoholic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) root is not having any anticonvulsant activity in rodents.

To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (drumstick leaves) in albino mice

Background: To evaluate the anti-convulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (Drum stick leaves) in seizure induced albino mice and to compare it with standard drug Sodium valproate.Methods: Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing around 25-30g were randomly selected and divided into four groups of six mice each. Group 1: control- treated with gum acacia. Group 2: Standard - Valproic acid 40mg/kg body weight. Group 3: T1- ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (150mg/kg). Group 4: T2 - ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (300mg/kg). All drugs were administered orally one hour prior to induction of seizure. The anticonvulsant activity was screened using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) model.Results: Results were analysed by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni’s post hoc test. Abolition of Tonic hind limb extension was taken as the protective end point against MES induced seizures and prolongation of seizure latency in PTZ model.At both the doses the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera significantly (p value <0.05) reduced the duration of hind limb extension in MES test and also significantly (p value <0.05) delayed the onset of clonic seizures in PTZ induced convulsion when compared with control group.Conclusions: On comparing the percentage protection offered by Moringa oleifera leaves against both MES and PTZ model, it possesses significant anticonvulsant activity at both doses, with more efficacy at 300mg/kg BW indicating that the test drug can prove a very promising drug for treatment of epilepsy. Further studies are required for isolation and identification of the active constituent.

A study of effect of acute and chronic administration of aqueous extract of Calotropis procera leaves on maximal electroshock induced seizures in rats

Background: The effect of acute and chronic administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera on maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures in rats was evaluated. Methods: Four groups of wistar rats were treated with distilled water 10 mL/kg (oral), phenytoin 25 mg/kg (intraperitoneal), 250mg/kg (oral) and 500mg/kg (oral) of aqueous extract of leaves of C procera , respectively in both acute and chronic studies. For producing maximal electroshock seizures, an electroconvulsiometer was used to deliver an electric stimulus of 150mA for 0.2 sec. The duration of hind limb extension (HLE) and seizures were noted in seconds (sec). In the acute study, the shock was given 1 h after administration of drugs. For the chronic study, all drugs were administered for 6 weeks. One hour after the last dose of drugs, the shock was administered. Data was analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: There was a significant decrease in the duration of hind limb extension, and convulsions as compared to control following acute (p<0.01 vs control) and chronic (p<0.05 vs control) administration of aqueous extract of leaves of Calotropis procera in rats. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that aqueous extract of C procera leaves resulted in significant protection against maximal electroshock induced seizures in rats.

EVALUATION OF ANTIEPILEPTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AZIMA TETRACANTHA ROOT IN MICE

Objective: To evaluate the antiepileptic activity of ethanolic extract of Azima tetracantha root (EEATR) against Maximal electroshock (MES) and Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in mice.Methods: 48 adult male mice were used and 4 groups with six in each were allocated to each model. 4 Groups are divided into control, standard and two test groups. Control group received normal saline, standard group, Sodium valproate-200 mg/kg and the two test groups received ethanolic extract of roots of Azima tetracantha (EEATR) 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. Antiepileptic activity was assessed based on hind limb tonic extension duration, onset of convulsions and mortality. The results were compared with control and standard.Results: In MES model EEATR reduced the duration of hind limb extension (HLE) and seizure protection was 50% and 66.6% with 250 and 500 mg/kg respectively. In PTZ model both the doses of EEATR delayed the onset of clonic phase and prevented death in 50% of animals in group treated with 500 mg/kg EEATR, similar to sodium valproate. Results were analyzed by ANOVA with p&lt;0.05 considered as significant.Conclusion: EEATR has shown anticonvulsant activity in both MES and PTZ models. 500 mg/kg of EEATR has better protection than 250 mg/kg against seizure in MES model and equally efficacious as sodium valproate standard in PTZ model.

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

Screening of Pistacia integerrima extracts for their anticonvulsant activity in acute zebrafish and rodent models of epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common, serious neurological conditions, affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. This disorder is characterized by the occurrence of spontaneous and recurrent seizures due to the abnormal, excessive, and synchronous electrical firing of neuronal networks Aim: The objective of the present study was to evaluate Pistacia integerrima (PI) gall extracts in acute models of epilepsy for their anticonvulsant activity. Materials and Methods: Extraction of galls of PI using a Soxhlet apparatus was carried out to yield petroleum ether and methanolic extracts. Both the extracts were screened in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in the zebrafish model. The active extract was further evaluated in the PTZ-induced seizures in mice. Both extracts were further screened in the maximal electroshock (MES) model in rats. Results: The petroleum ether extract of Pistacia integerrima (PEPI) exhibited dose-dependent delay at 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg in the onset of different seizure parameters in PTZ-induced seizures in the zebrafish model that was further confirmed in mice at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. In addition, the extract exhibited delay in the duration of hind limb extension (HLE) as well as protected from it at 50 mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg in the MES model in rats. The metabolic extract of Pistacia integerrima (MEPI) was unable to protect from seizures in both preliminary screening (PTZ and MES) models. Conclusion: The results showed that PEPI demonstrated potential anticonvulsant activity in zebrafish and rodent models of epilepsy. This may be attributed to the presence of essential oil and its phytoconstituents, indicating its role in suppressing generalized absence and tonic-clonic seizures.

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.

Anticonvulsant activity of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Stem bark

Balanites aegyptiaca is used traditionally in India to treat psychoses, epilepsy, and rheumatism. The present study is aimed at investigating the anticonvulsant activity of chloroform and hydromethanolic extract of the stem bark of B. aegyptiaca which is commonly used in the Indian traditional medicine. The anticonvulsant activity of the extract was evaluated using Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) - induced convulsions in mice and maximum electro shock (MES) -induced convulsions and lithium- pilocarpine induced status epilepticus in rats. In MES Model, both the extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension. In the PTZ model, both extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o.) delayed the latency to myoclonic spasm and clonic convulsions significantly. In Lithium-pilocarpine model, chloroform extract (100 mg) and hydromethanolic extract (100 & 200 mg) delayed the latency to rearing with forelimb clonus significantly. The results indicate that the extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca possess biologically active compound(s) that have anticonvulsant properties, which support the ethnomedicinal use of the plant as antiepileptic agents.

Free radical scavenging and antiepileptic activity of Leucas lanata

Oxidative stress was found to be the underlying mechanism in many disorders especially in neurodegenerative disorders like epilepsy. The main aim of the investigation was to evaluate invitro free radical scavenging potential and invivo antiepileptic activity of selected fraction of Leucas lanata . Ethanolic extract of L. lanata was taken for its phytochemical screening, invitro free radical scavenging, cytotoxic studies, fractionation with ethyl acetate and its HPTLC studies. Further the fraction was evaluated for invivo acute toxicity studies and antiepileptic activity in mice. After the estimation of 64.412 ± 8.44 mgGAE/g of phenolic and 63.723 ± 8.01 mgRE/g of flavonoids contents, invitro free radical scavenging studies of ethanolic extract of the plant revealed its almost equal potential as quercetin. HPTLC studies of ethyl acetate fraction of extract revealed the presence of 3 unknown flavonoids with R f values of 0.03, 0.48 and 0.93. In animal studies there was a decrease in the duration of hind limb extension like 7.8 ± 0.1 s, 7.4 ± 0.2 s and 7.1 ± 0.2 s linearly with doses. In forced swim test animals were found to be active without any decreased locomotory activity indicated by more immobilized time in diazepam treatment (233.33 ± 5.03 s) and less immobilized time with the treatment of fraction (161.66 ± 5.686 s). From the studies of malondialdehyde estimation, there was a comparative decrease in the content which was not linear with dose. From the results of invitro and invivo studies it can be concluded that, flavonoid and phenolic rich ethyl acetate fraction of L. lanata can be used to treat epilepsy without any induction of depression.

Anticonvulsant activity of alcoholic extract of bark of Pinus roxburghii Sarg

To study the anticonvulsant activity of alcoholic extract of bark of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (AEPR) used in Indian traditional medicine system in treating convulsion. Anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in Wistar albino rats. In the MES model, 150 mA current for 0.2 s was given through ear electrodes to induce convulsions in rats. The duration of tonic extension of hind limb was used as the end point, namely, prevention or decrease in the duration of hind limb extension was considered as a protective action. In the PTZ model, the anticonvulsant property of AEPR was assessed by its ability to delay the onset of myoclonic spasm and clonic convulsions produced by intraperitoneal administration of PTZ. In the MES-induced seizure model, AEPR in doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight reduced all the phases of convulsion significantly (P<0.01). Standard drug phenytoin at a dose of 25 mg/kg significantly reduced flexion phase (P<0.01) and abolished all phases of convulsion. In the PTZ-induced seizure model, the administration of the extract at doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg 30 min prior to injection of PTZ significantly delayed the onset of clonic seizure (P<0.01). AEPR at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight could not exert any significant protective effect on PTZ-induced convulsions. Standard drug diazepam at a dose of 4 mg/kg showed much delayed onset of clonic seizure. The study suggests that AEPR would be effective against generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. Thus AEPR possesses anticonvulsant property against MES- and PTZ-induced seizures in Wistar rats. However, further research is in progress to isolate the compound responsible for its activity.

Anticonvulsant effects of Calotropis procera root in rats

The present study investigated the anticonvulsant activity of different root extracts of Calotropis procera R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) in rats in order to evaluate the traditional use of this plant. The anticonvulsant activity of different extracts of Calotropis procera roots was studied against seizures induced by maximal electroshock seizures (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling seizures. In the MES test, the chloroform extract of Calotropis procera roots showed the most significant (p < 0.01) anticonvulsant effect by decreasing the duration of hind limb extension (extensor phase), clonus and also the duration of stupor phase, as compared to control. In the PTZ test, the chloroform extract showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) effect, whereas the aqueous extract showed the most significant (p < 0.01) effect as compared to control by delaying the onset of convulsions. The extracts also inhibited convulsions induced by lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling. The results of this study indicate that the chloroform extract and aqueous extract of Calotropis procera roots may be beneficial in the absence (petitmal) and tonic-clonic (grand mal) type of seizures.

Anticonvulsant activity ofArgyreia speciosain mice

Argyreia speciosa commonly known as Vridha daraka in Sanskrit is one of the important plants used in indigenous system of medicine. The root is regarded as an alternative tonic and useful in the diseases of nervous system. To confirm the veracity of aforementioned claim, we have evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of the extract. In this investigation, the mice were pretreated with different doses of Argyreia speciosa extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) for 10 days and then, they were subjected to either pentylenetetrazole (80 mg/kg) or maximal electroshock seizures (50 mA, 0.2 s) treatment. The hydroalcoholic extract of Argyreia speciosa at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly delayed the latency to the onset of first clonus as well as onset of death in unprotected mice and exhibited protection in 16.66% and 33.33% of pentylenetetrazole treated mice respectively. Whereas in case of maximal electroshock-seizures, the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of hind limb extension and both the doses were statistically found to be equipotent. The reference standards, clonazepam (0.1 mg/kg) and phenytoin (20 mg/kg) provided complete protection. Thus, present study revealed anticonvulsant effect of Argyreia speciosa against pentylenetetrazole- and maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice.

Effect of celecoxib on anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice

This study investigates the effect of celecoxib alone and in combination with carbamazepine (CBZ) on maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice. Celecoxib (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 mg/kg) and CBZ (2, 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg) were each given alone in increasing doses, and CBZ was given in combination with a single dose of celecoxib (30 mg/kg) 40 min prior to electroshock-induced convulsions. The percentage protection and duration of hind limb extension were determined using an electroconvulsiometer. The ED50 value (dose at which there is protection in 50% of animals) of CBZ alone and in combination with celecoxib was determined. When administered alone, CBZ showed an increase in percentage protection at increasing doses, with 100% protection occurring at a dose of 8 mg/kg. However, treatment with celecoxib alone demonstrated maximum protection of 50% occurring at the 60 mg/kg dose. Moreover, celecoxib given at 30 mg/kg did not show any protection. Nevertheless, coadministration of celecoxib (30 mg/kg) enhanced the effect of the subprotective dose of CBZ and was more effective than CBZ given alone. Combined treatment with celecoxib enhanced the potency of CBZ and significantly reduced its ED50 value. This study suggests that celecoxib has an anticonvulsant effect of its own and it also potentiates the anticonvulsant efficacy of CBZ against maximal electroshock-induced convulsions in mice.