ABSTRACT The whole plant of Ageratum conyzoides L. is used traditional Indian medicine to treat epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts of these plants was subjected to acute toxicity and then screened for antiepileptic activity on Maximal Electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures models in albino wistar rats. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of ethanolic (95%) extract of Ageratum conyzoides L. (EEAC) on biogenic amines concentrations in rat brain after induction of seizures by MES and PTZ. Our aim of study was relationship between seizure activities and altered the monoamines such as noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT) and Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in forebrain of rats in MES and PTZ seizure models. In MES model, EEAC (200 & 400 mg/kg) showed significantly restored the decreased levels of brain monoamines such as NA, DA, 5-HT and GABA. Similarly in PTZ model, EEAC showed significantly increased the monoamines in forebrain of rats. Thus, this study suggests that ethanol extract of Ageratum conyzoides L. increased the monoamines on rat brain, which may be decreased the susceptibility to MES and PTZ induced seizure in rats.

Keywords: Antiepileptic activity, Traditional Medicine, Ageratum conyzoides L. biogenic amines, NA, DA, 5-HT and GABA.

ABSTRACT

The present report is an investigation of anti seizure activity of Cassytha filiformis L. (Family - Cassythaceae) which is widespread throughout the Pacific and tropics. The methanolic extract of Cassytha filiformis L. (MECF) was subjected to acute toxicity and then screened for antiepileptic activity on Maximal Electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures models in albino wistar rats. Acute toxicity of extract was non toxic up to the recommended dose 2000mg/kg body weight orally as per OECD guidelines No.423. Animals were pretreated with MECF at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. The study reported the significant delay in clonic seizure induced by PTZ and dose dependent decrease in duration of hindleg extensor phase in MES model. In MES model, MECF showed significant reduction in duration of hindleg extension with 200 mg/kg dose and effect was dramatically reduced with 400mg/kg. Similar dose dependent results were obtained in PTZ model by delayed the onset of clonic convulsions. The complete protective effect against mortality was reported in both the tests. This study predicted possible mechanism of the formulation mediated through chloride channel of the GABA or benzodiazepine receptor complex .However, the exact mechanism of action is not clear, but attributed to its antiepileptic effect. The methanolic extract of Cassytha filiformis L. deserves further investigation for detailed elucidation of active constituents and the mechanisms of action.

Keywords: Antiseizure activity, Traditional Medicine, Cassytha filiformis L. Maximal Electroshock, Pentylenetetrazole.

ABSTRACT

The whole plant of Rorippa sarmentosa (DC.) Macbr. is used traditional Indian medicine to treat epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that extracts of these plants was subjected to acute toxicity and then screened for antiepileptic activity on Maximal Electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures models in albino wistar rats. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of ethanolic (95%) extract of Rorippa sarmentosa (DC.) Macbr. (EERS) on antioxidant enzymes in rat brain after induction of seizures by MES and PTZ. Our aim of study was relationship between seizure activities and altered the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GP), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase and lipid peroxidation on rat brain. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase was decreased in rat brain due to seizure and it was restored significantly by administration of ethanol extract of Rorippa sarmentosa (DC.) Macbr. treated rats. Similar dose dependent results were obtained in PTZ model also. Whereas EERS significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in both models. The anticonvulsant activity of EERS might be presents of antioxidant properties and it delays the generation of free radical in MES & PTZ induced epilepsy.

Keywords: Antioxidant Enzymes, Rorippa sarmentosa (DC.) Macbr. , Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GP), Glutathione Reductase (GR), Catalase and Lipid Peroxidation.

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the safety of an ethanol extract of Spondias pinnata, kurz. (EESP) by determining its potential toxicity after acute and chronic administration in rats. Study on acute toxicity of extract found to be safe at the doses 2000mg/kg body weight orally as per OECD guidelines No.423. General behavior adverse effects and mortality were determined for up to 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, the EESP was administered orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg once in a week for 6 weeks to rats. Biochemical and hematological parameters were determined after 6 weeks. In the acute study in rats, there was no toxicity/ death was observed at the dose of 2000mg/kg b.w. The onset of toxicity and signs of toxicity also not there. In the chronic toxicity study, no significant treatment-related changes in the levels of haematological, hepatic and renal parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, protein and glucose, and serum ALP activities were observed at the termination of the study. It suggests that the ethanol extract of Spondias pinnata, kurz. does not appear to have significant toxicity. In view of the dose of Spondias pinnata, kurz. consumed in traditional medicine, there is a wide margin of safety for the therapeutic use of the ethanol extract of Spondias pinnata, kurz.

Key words: Spondias pinnata, kurz, Traditional Medicine, Acute and Chronic Toxicity, Heamatological Parameters, Biochemical Parameters.

ABSTRACT

Solanum viride Solander ex Forst. (Family: Solanaceae) is widespread throughout the South Pacific and extending as far north as Hawaii. Traditionally the leaves are cut in pieces and mixed with coconut oil to prepare a salve used to remedy body swellings. In Tahiti the plant is used as a sedative, diuretic, to treat infection of the eye (conjunctivitis) and to treat pus-filled infections. In Fiji the leaves are used to treat wounds. The present study was undertaken to investigate diuretic effect of petroleum ether extract of the Solanum viride Solander ex Forst. (PESV) in albino rats. Acute oral toxicity study was performed as per OECD guidelines. In acute oral toxicity study, mortality was not observed up to 2000 mg/kg bodyweight. PESV were administered at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. Furosemide (500 mg/kg, p.o) was used as positive control in study. The diuretic effect of the extract was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium and potassium content. Urine volume is significantly increased at two doses of PESV 250 & 500 mg/kg body wt in treated rats. The excretion of sodium, Potassium levels was also increased by the PESV. The diuretic effect of the extract was similar to furosemide. The PESV had the additional advantage of chloride conserving effect. This study concludes that PESV produced notable diuretic effect which appeared to be comparable to that produced by the standard diuretic furosemide. The present study provides a quantitative basis for explaining the folkloric use of Solanum viride Solander ex Forst. as a diuretic agent.

Key words: Solanum viride Solander ex Forst. Diuretic activity, urine output, Flame Photometry, diuretic index, lipschitz value.