Anticonvulsant Potential of Dichloromethane Extract of Aspilia africana Leaf in Mice

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the anticonvulsant potential of dichloromethane leaf extract of Aspilia africana.

Study Design: Three seizure models namely: Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STC) and maximal electroshock (MES) were used, motor coordination behavior of the animals were also assessed.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out between the months of October and November, 2017 at Pharmacology laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Methodology: The powdered leaves of A. africana (2000 g) were extracted with 10 liters of 100% dichloromethane. Doses of 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg were administered to the test animals.

Results: The chemical models, STC & PTZ showed 50% & 100% survival respectively. The delayed onset of seizure suggested anti-seizure potential of dichloromethane extract of A. Africana leaf with the maximal latency period of seizure recorded in the 25 mg/kg dose within the following chemical models, this was significant, P = .05 compared to the normal control. The MES method showed that at doses of 25 & 50, 100 mg/kg, the animals were 66.7% & 50% free of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE). Furthermore, there was reduced motor coordination potential at 25 mg/kg by 68.5%, which was significant at the level of, P = .05, compared to healthy control.

Conclusion: From the preceding, it can be seen that the dichloromethane leaf extract of A. Africana has antiseizure potential.