Anticonvulsant study of Capparis zeylanica Linn. Root in Wistar rats

Abstract

The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of phenol, tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, saponins etc. in ethanolic extracts of Capparis zeylanica root which was confirmed by the used of various reagents and TLC chromatography. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the ethanol extract of Capparis zeylanica roots (EECZ) in animal models of epilepsy. The ethanolic extract of Capparis zeylanica Linn. (EECZ) was subjected to acute toxicity and then screened for anticonvulsant activity on Maximal Electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole PTZ) induced seizures models in albino Wistar rats. The extract was found non toxic up to the recommended dose 2000 mg kg-1 b.wt. orally as per OECD guidelines No. 423. For the acute study, in the maximal electroshock seizure model, the administration of 100 mg kg-1 of EECZ resulted in the complete abolition of seizures in 33.65% of the rats and this was increased to 82.51% with the administration of 400 mg kg-1. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, 20% protection from mortality was obtained by administration of 100 mg kg-1 and 36% from 200 mg kg-1 EECZ whereas, 80% rats were protected with the administration of 400 mg kg-1. For the chronic study, in the maximal electroshock seizure model, the administration of 100 mg kg-1 EECZ resulted in the complete abolition of seizures in 12.76% of the mice and in 80%, with the administration of 400 mg kg-1. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, 15% of the mice were protected from mortality with 100 mg kg-1 EECZ and 85%, with 400 mg kg-1 EECZ. These findings indicate that EECZ consists of anticonvulsant effect and is comparable to clinically used antiepileptic drugs (diazepam and phenytoin). © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.