Latency Of Convulsions Research Articles

Preliminary Phytochemical, Acute Oral Toxicity and Anticonvulsant Activity of the Seed Extract of Brassica juncea

Aims: The aim of this research is to investigate the preliminary phytochemical properties, acute oral toxicity and anticonvulsant activity of the seed extract of Brassica juncea (B. juncea). Study Design: Qualitative analysis of for phytochemicals was performed. Experimental mouse model was contributed for toxicity test and anticonvulsant activity of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure. Place and Duration of Study: Applied Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Biotechnology, International University, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh, between June 2014 and December 21014. Methodology: Phytochemicals from the methanol seed extract were screened by standard methods. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 425 guidelines while anticonvulsant activity was assessed against PTZinduced seizure in mice. The effect of the extract at dose levels of 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in an experimental mice model, using diazepam as positive control (5 Original Research Article Duy and Trang; EJMP, 14(1): 1-9, 2016; Article no.EJMP.25525 2 mg/kg, p.o). At the end of the observation period, the animals were sacrificed and their brains were removed for histopathological examination. Results: The phytochemical study showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds in the seeds of B. juncea. The Acute oral toxicity study indicated that the extract was safe and non-toxic to mice up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract significantly delayed the latency of convulsion (p ˂ 0.05) induced by PTZ at the dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. The extract also reduced the frequency of convulsion and provided up to 100% protection (500 mg/kg p.o) against death. Conclusion: The data suggest that the methanol seed extract of B. juncea is safe and possesses anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizure in mice.

Effectiveness of ketogenic diet in pentylenetetrazol-induced and kindling rats as well as its potential mechanisms

The effects and mechanisms of ketogenic diets (KD) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal electrographic and behavioral thresholds in responses to the KD in pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures, as well as its antiepileptogenic effects on PTZ-kindling rats. Additionally, we investigated the potential link between KD and expression levels of two cation chloride co-transporters: K+–Cl− co-transporter 2 (KCC2) and Na+–K+–Cl− co-transporter 1 (NKCC1). The KD group had significantly higher electrographic thresholds than the control (ND) group for the first spike-and-wave, subcontinuous spike-and-wave, high amplitude spike-and-wave, and polyspikes both in the cortex and hippocampus. Compared to the ND group, the KD group had higher behavioral thresholds for behavioral absence, first jerk, first overt myoclonia, and generalized seizures. In the PTZ-kindling model, KD not only prolonged the latency of myoclonic and clonic convulsions, but shortened clonic and generalized duration. In addition, KD rats had higher KCC2 protein expression before kindling, during myoclonic jerks, and GTCS compared with ND rats. There were no significant differences in NKCC1 protein levels between both groups following the four-week dietary intervention without PTZ exposure (before kindling). Moreover, KD inhibited the upregulation of NKCC1 expression induced by kindling in myoclonic jerks and GTCS. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that KD had antiepileptic features in elevating thresholds to most electrographic and behavioral seizure patterns in PTZ-induced rats, as well as delaying the progression and alleviating the severity of seizure in PTZ-kindling model. The antiepileptogenic effects of KD may be attributed to its regulatory properties on KCC2 and NKCC1 protein expression.

Anticonvulsant actions of ethanol stem bark extract of Trichilia roka (Meliaceae) in mice and chicks

The current antiseizure drugs present with side effects, some of which can lead to discontinuation of epilepsy pharmacotherapy, and a sizeable number of other drugs being less efficacious. Medicinal plants are used for the treatment of epilepsy in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of the stem bark extract of Trichilia roka in mice and chicks. Anticonvulsant screening was carried using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STN) and picrotoxin (PCT) induced seizures while Maximal electroshock (MEST) test in day old chicks. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts was carried out on the extract using conventional protocols. The LD50 was determined in mice. The intraperitoneal LD50 was calculated to be 118.32 mg/kg in mice. Flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, anthraquinones and steroids were found to be present. Significant (p≤0.05) prolongation of the mean onset of seizures was recorded with Trichilia roka (15 and 30 mg/kg) compared with normal saline treated groups in PTZ induced seizures. Trichilia roka at all the doses tested did not significantly reduce the mean recovery time of seizures induced by MEST. The extract at 7.5 and 15 mg/kg prolonged the latency of convulsion induced by STN. The extract failed to show significant prolongation of the latency of seizures induced by picrotoxin. It can then be inferred, that Trichilia roka contained bioactive constituents that are beneficial in petit mal epilepsy and justify their use in Traditional Medicine.

Phytopharmacological evaluation of aerial parts of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz in Cough Variant Asthma

Background: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is characterized by prolonged non productive cough which responds to bronchodilator therapy. None of herbal drug is reported to possess pharmacological activity against CVA. Objective: To investigate the pharmacological potential of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (EEWF) against CVA as well as to develop an efficient screening model for CVA. Material and Method: Anti-tussive effect of EEWF was evaluated against nebulized aqueous solution of 0.1 g/ml of citric acid to determine the cough response. EEWF potential was finally accessed against aerosolic mixture of 0.3 g/ml of citric acid mixed with 0.1% histamine and 2% acetylcholine chloride to evaluate the convulsive latency, percentage protection and cough frequency against CVA. Results: EEWF at aerosolic dose of 6% w/v exhibit decrease in of the average coughs frequency (4.83 ± 0.30) which is quite significant effect as compared to standard drug codeine. EEWF against aerosol induced CVA was found to exhibit a significant bronchoprotection of 41.75% and decreases number of coughs (7.16 ± 0.47) at 200 mg/kg as compared to control (14.16 ± 0.60). Conclusion: EEWF at 200 mg/kg dose exhibited bronchoprotective and anti-tussive effects against aerosol induced CVA.

Anticonvulsant effects of ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri (Anacardiaceae) in mice and chicks

Ethnopharmacological relevancePreparation of Lannea barteri is used in the treatment of epilepsy, gastritis, childhood convulsions among other uses in northern Nigeria for many years. The popularity of its efficacy is well established among the Traditional Medical Practitioners. Aim of the studyThe present study aimed at screening the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri for possible anticonvulsant action. Materials and methodAnticonvulsant screening was carried out using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STN) and picrotoxin (PTC) induced seizures in mice while Maximal electroshock (MES) test was carried out in day old chicks. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was performed on the extract. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50) was carried out in mice. ResultsThe intraperitoneal (i.p.) LD50 of the extract was estimated to be 567.70mg/kg in mice. Lannea barteri (160mg/kg) significantly (p≤0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by PTZ when compared with normal saline treated group. Similarly, the extract at 160mg/kg significantly (p≤0.05) prolonged the latency of convulsion induced by STN. Lannea barteri (40mg/kg) significantly (p≤0.05) delayed the mean onset of seizures induced by picrotoxin in mice. The extracts at all the doses tested showed no observable effect in decreasing the mean recovery time of convulsed chicks in MEST. Flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and glycosides were found present in the stem bark extract. ConclusionOur findings revealed that the ethanol stem bark extract of Lannea barteri contained bioactive constituents that may be useful in the management of petit mal epilepsy and supports the ethnomedical claim for the use of its stem bark in the management of epilepsy.

Interaction of prenatal stress and morphine alters prolactin and seizure in rat pups

Prenatal exposure to stress and morphine has complicated effects on epileptic seizure. In the present study, effect of prenatal forced-swim stress and morphine co-administration on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced epileptic behaviors and prolactin blood level (PBL) was investigated in rat offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided to four groups of control–saline, control–morphine, stressed–saline and stressed–morphine. In the stressed group, pregnant rats were placed in 25°C water on gestation days 17, 18 and 19 (GD17, GD18 and GD19) for 30min. In the morphine/saline group, pregnant rats received morphine (10, 12 and 15mg/kg, IP, on GD17, GD18 and GD19, respectively) or saline (1ml, IP). In the morphine/saline-stressed group, the rats received morphine or saline and then exposed to stress. On postnatal days 6 and 15 (P6 and P15), blood samples were obtained and PBL was determined. At P15 and P25, the rest of the pups was injected with PTZ to induce seizure. Then, epileptic behaviors of each rat were observed individually. Latency of first convulsion decreased in control–morphine and stressed–saline groups while increased in stressed–morphine rats compared to control–saline group on P15 (P=0.04). Number of tonic–clonic seizures significantly increased in control–morphine and stressed–saline rats compared to control–saline group at P15 (P=0.02). PBL increased in stressed–saline, control–morphine and stress–morphine groups compared to control–saline rats. It can be concluded that prenatal exposure of rats to forced-swim stress and morphine changed their susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizure and PBL during infancy and prepubertal period. Co-administration of morphine attenuated effect of stress on epileptic behaviors.

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.

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Acute Oral Toxicity and Anticonvulsant Activity of the Berries of &lt;i&gt;Solanum nigrum&lt;/i&gt; Linn

Purpose: To investigate the preliminary phytochemical properties, acute oral toxicity and anticonvulsant activity of the berries of Solanum nigrum Linn (S. nigrum)Methods: Phytochemicals from the ethanol berry extract were screened by standard methods. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 425 guidelines while anticonvulsant activity was evaluated against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- induced seizure in mice. The effect of the extract at dose levels of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight was evaluated in an experimental mice model, using phenobarbital as positive control (100 mg/kg p.o).Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that the berries of S. nigrum contain carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenols and steroids. The oral median lethal dose of the extract was 3129 mg/kg body weight. The extract significantly delayed the latency of convulsion (p ˂ 0.05) in PTZ-induced seizure mice in at the dose of 300 mg/kg p.o. The extract also reduced the frequency of convulsion and provided up to 100 % protection (300 mg/kg p.o) against death.Conclusion: The results obtained in this study suggest that the ethanol berry extract of Solanum nigrum is safe and possesses anticonvulsant activity in PTZ-induced seizure in mice.Keywords: Solanum nigrum, Phytochemical, Anticonvulsant, Pentylenetetrazole, Lethal dose, Acutetoxicity

EVALUATION OF ANTICONVULSANT AND ANTIDEPRESSANT ACTIVITY OF EPIC-Q TAB: AN AYURVEDIC POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

In Ayurveda classical texts administration of potent psycho - physical rejuvenator formulation comes under Rasayana chikitsa which frees one of diseases and improves quality of life. This study was designed t o evaluate the anti - convulsant and antidepressant activity of polyherbal formulation Epic - Q in experimental animal models. The study was conducted by administering high dose (500 mg/kg) and low dose (100 mg/kg) of formulation. The animal models selected we re Maximum Electroshock - induced Seizures and Isoniazid induced for anticonvulsant activity and forced swim and tail suspension test for antidepressant tests. The study entails that the Epic - Q at a high dose (500 mg/kg) have anticonvulsant activity and it sho ws a significant decrease in duration of extension phase in comparison with standard drug phenytoin i n INH method, it delayed the latency of convulsions in rats in a dose - dependent manner but failed to protect the rats against mortality and it has potent an tidepressant action and it shows moderately significant action. Whereas , the low dose (100 mg/kg) have a weak antidepressant action. From the observations of the present study, we found out that the polyherbal formulation Epic - Q has anticonvulsant and anti depressant activity.

Research on Hypnotic and Anticonvulsant Activities of Total Alkaloids in Leaves of Eucommia ulmoides

ObjectiveTo study the hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides (LEU), the total alkaloids were extracted from LEU using water-acid method. MethodsMice were divided into five groups, including groups contained total alkaloids in three different doses, negative and positive control groups. Direct hypnotic experiment in mice, pentobarbital sodium synergistic experiment, and anticonvulsant experiment were used. The numbers of spontaneous activities, sleep rate, sleep latency, sleep time, convulsion rate, and convulsion latency of the mice were recorded and analyzed. ResultsThe total alkaloids from LEU could increase the sleep rate, significantly lengthen the sleep time, and shorten the sleep latency of mice. Even the low dose of total alkaloids (0.33 g/kg) showed significantly different activities with negative control group (physiological saline) with the synergistic effect of the superthreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium. Furthermore, the total alkaloids efficiently inhibited the convulsion caused by nikethamide. ConclusionThe total alkaloids from LEU have the excellent sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant activities in mice, with high safety and little drug side effects. Therefore, they have the protential development prospects in sedative-hypnotic drugs.

Evaluation of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Abelmoschus moschatus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; seed extract in psychiatric and neurological disorders

Background: Abelmoschus moschatus is an aromatic and medicinal plant, used as traditional medicine in the Thirunelveli district and distributed in many parts of Asia, including India. The present study was aimed to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) activities of ethanolic seed extract of A. moschatus (AEAM). Methods: Oral administration of AEAM at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg on various behavioral models forced swim, tail suspension, light-dark box, hole-board, elevated-plus-maze, locomotor, strychnine, maximal electroshock induced seizure, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), rotarod, climbing an inclined screen models were utilized. Results: In the open field test, AEAM (200 and 400 mg/kg) increased the numbers of rearing. However, the number of central motor and ambulation were reduced. The number of entries and the time spent in the open arm were increased, whereas the number of locomotion was decreased (p&lt;0.001) in elevated-plus-maze and actophotometer test, respectively. AEAM (200 and 400 mg/kg) protected the mice against the PTZ and strychnine-induced convulsions; it causes significant dose-dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with AEAM reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension, increased the hypnotics time and decreased motor co-ordination of experimental animals. Conclusion: This study concludes A. moschatus is an alternative source for CNS drug development.

Evaluation of anticonvulsant, sedative, anxiolytic, and phytochemical profile of the methanol extract from the aerial parts of Swertia corymbosa (Griseb.) wight ex C.B. Clarke.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant activity of the methanolic extract of Swertia corymbosa (SCMeOH). After acute toxicity test, oral treatment with SCMeOH at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg behavioral models of open field, elevated-plus-maze, actophotometer, rotarod, pentylenetetrazole, isoniazid, and maximal electroshock induced seizure models were utilized. In open field test, SCMeOH (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) increased the number of rearings. However, the number of central motor and ambulation (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) were reduced. Likewise, the number of entries and the time spent in open arm were increased while the number of locomotion was decreased (P < 0.001) in elevated-plus-maze and actophotometer test, respectively. SCMeOH (125–500 mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole and isoniazid induced convulsions; it causes significant (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with SCMeOH reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Two major compounds such as gentiopicroside and swertianin were analyzed by HPLC system.

Stress during first pregnancy increases seizure threshold in adult male offspring.

Stress induces many homeostatic aberrations which are followed by lifelong allostatic responses. Epilepsy is developed or influenced by different environmental factors, i.e. prenatal stress which makes many contradictory developmental changes in seizure threshold and intensity. We investigated the potential seizure response of the rat offspring to prenatal stress; the stress which was applied to their mothers. Nine day heterogeneous sequential stress (HSS) model was used before and during the first and before the second pregnancy. The kindling was induced using 13 IP injections of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) every 48 hr to adult male Wistar rat's offspring. The results of the present study demonstrated that, before pregnancy stress decreased the rate of kindling (P<0.05) in the offspring, while stress which was applied during pregnancy completely prevented kindling (P <0.001). Further, their convulsive latency was increased and tonic clonic seizure duration was decreased. In contrast, previous pregnancy and between pregnancies stress could not change kindling process. Although maternal separation stress did not change kindling development, it could increase convulsive intensities by elongating the duration of seizures (P<0.05) and reducing convulsion latency (P <0.05). It is concluded that stress detrimental effects could be prevented by stress which was applied around first pregnancy; however this beneficial effect is weakened by before second pregnancy stress.

Evaluation of antiepileptic activity of chloroform extract of Acalypha fruticosa in mice.

Aim:The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antiepileptic activity of chloroform extract of aerial parts of Acalypha fruticosa in mice.Materials and Methods:The antiepileptic activity of chloroform extract of A. fruticosa at the doses of 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated by maximum electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and isoniazid (INH)-induced convulsions in mice. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test.Results:In MES method, the chloroform extract significantly protected the mice from convulsions induced by electroshock method in a dose-dependent manner and exhibited more activity at the dose of 300 mg/kg when compared with diazepam treated animals. In PTZ method, the extract inhibited convulsions in mice potent than phenobarbitone sodium. In INH method, it delayed the latency of convulsions in mice in a dose-dependent manner but failed to protect the mice against mortality.Conclusion:The chloroform extract exhibited significant and dose-dependent antiepileptic activity, which may be due to the presence of antioxidant principles like flavanoids.

CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZiziyphus nummularia (family: Rhamnaceae) is a xerophyte, grows in the grazing lands of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. Ziziyphus nummularia (ZN) is used as sedative in ethnomedicine. The objective of this study is to investigate the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative activities of the alcoholic extract of leaves of Ziziyphus nummularia (EZN). Materials and methodsThe anticonvulsant effect of the EZN (100, 200 and 300mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using the pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizure models. Its anxiolytic activity was evaluated using the elevated plus maze, hole board and open field models board methods, while the pentobarbital induced sleep was used to evaluate the sedative activity. The acute toxicity and effect on motor coordination were also assessed. ResultsEZN (100–300mg/kg) protected the mice against the pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions; it causes a significant (P<0.05) dose dependent increase in latency of convulsion. Treatment with EZN reduced the duration of the tonic hind limb extension induced by electroshock. Mice treated with EZN preferred the open arm of the plus maze and were found to be devoid of open-arm avoidance. EZN potentiation the barbiturate induce sleep in mice, it causes a decrease in the sleep latency and increases the duration of sleep. ConclusionThe results obtained from the experiments indicate that the EZN has CNS depressant and anticonvulsant activities.

Anticonvulsant effect of AMP by direct activation of adenosine A1 receptor

Purinergic neurotransmission mediated by adenosine (Ado) type 1 receptors (A1Rs) plays pivotal roles in negative modulation of epileptic seizures, and Ado is thought to be a key endogenous anticonvulsant. Recent evidence, however, indicates that AMP, the metabolic precursor of Ado, also activate A1Rs. Here, we evaluated the antiepileptic effects of AMP adopting in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy. We report that AMP reversed the increase in population spike (PS) amplitude and the decrease in PS latency induced by a Mg2+-free extracellular solution in CA1 neurons of mouse hippocampal slices. The AMP effects were inhibited by the A1R antagonist DPCPX, but not prevented by inhibiting conversion of AMP into Ado, indicating that AMP inhibited per se sustained hippocampal excitatory neurotransmission by directly activating A1Rs. AMP also reduced seizure severity and mortality in a model of audiogenic convulsion. Of note, the anticonvulsant effects of AMP were potentiated by preventing its conversion into Ado and inhibited by DPCPX. When tested in a model of kainate-induced seizure, AMP prolonged latency of convulsions but had no effects on seizure severity and mortality. Data provide the first evidence that AMP is an endogenous anticonvulsant acting at A1Rs.

Sedative and Anticonvulsant Activities of the Ethanol Root Extract of &lt;i&gt;Flemingia chappar&lt;/i&gt; Benth

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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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 &lt; 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.

Anticonvulsant potential of ethanol extracts and their solvent partitioned fractions from Flemingia strobilifera root.

Background:Flemingia strobilifera (FS) R.Br. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant. In wealth of India it has been reported that roots of FS are used by santals in epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, and to relieve pain. In Burma also the roots of F. strobilifera are used to treat epilepsy.Objective:To investigate anticonvulsant potential of 95% ethanol extract and four subsequent fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions of the roots of FS against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions.Material and Methods:All the fractions and crude ethanol extract were administered (i.e., 200, 400, 600 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days and at the end of the treatment convulsions were induced experimentally using pentylenetetrazole and Maximal electroshock Test. Diazepam and phenytoin (4 mg/kg, i.p. and 20 mg/kg, i.p., respectively) were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs against experimentally induced convulsions. The latency of tonic convulsions and the numbers of animals protected from tonic convulsions were noted.Results:High doses (200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o.) of ethyl acetate fraction and 95% ethanol crude extract (400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the duration of seizure induced by maximal electroshock (MES). The same dose also protected from pentylenetetrzole-induced tonic seizures and significantly delayed the onset of tonic seizures. However, pet, ether, chloroform, and aqueous fraction at any of the doses used (i.e., 100, 200, 300 mg/kg, p.o.) did not show any significant effect on PTZ and MES induced convulsions. The treatment with crude ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction caused signs of central nervous system depressant action in the locomotor activity test, confirmed by the potentiation of sodium pentobarbital sleeping time. Both did not cause disturbance in motor coordination assessed by rotarod test.Conclusion:The data suggest that crude ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of roots of Flemingia strobilifera have a central nervous system depressant action and behave as a potential anticonvulsant. It may produce its anticonvulsant effect via non-specific mechanism since it reduced the duration of seizures produced by maximal electroshock as well as delayed the latency of seizures produced by pentylenetetrazole.

Evaluation of the sedative and hypnotic effects of Eucommiol in Eucommia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sedative and hypnotic effects of Eucommiol, a monomer compound extracted from male Eucommia flowers using a system solvent method. Eucommiol shows significant effects in mice, including reduced spontaneous activity, and increased the sleep ratio or lengthened the sleep time with a subthreshold or superthreshold dose of pentobarbital sodium, respectively. In addition, could effectively shorten sleep latency, reduce convulsion rate and prolong convulsion latency. These findings intensely indicated that Eucommiol has excellent sedative and hypnotic effects.

Pharmacological Activity of (R)-(+)-Pulegone, a Chemical Constituent of Essential Oils

(R)-(+)-Pulegone is a monoterpene found in essential oils from plants of the Labiatae family. This compound is a major constituent of Agastache formosanum oil. In this study, the effect of (R)-(+)-pulegone on the central nervous system was evaluated. (R)-(+)-Pulegone caused a significant decrease in ambulation and an increase in pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in mice, indicating a central depressant effect. (+)-Pulegone also significantly increased the latency of convulsions as assessed by the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method. The antinociceptive properties of this monoterpene were studied in chemical and thermal models of nociception. Chemical nociception induced in the first and second phase of the subplantar formalin test was significantly inhibited by (R)-(+)-pulegone and was not blocked by naloxone. Thermal nociception was also significantly inhibited while (R)-(+)-pulegone increased the reaction latency of the mice in the hot plate test. These results suggest that (R)-(+)-pulegone is a psychoactive compound and has the profile of an analgesic drug.