Anticonvulsant Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Aspilia africana Leaf in Mice

Aim: This study was carried out to determine the anticonvulsant potential of A. africana leaf extract in its polar (ethanol) constituents.

Study Design: The study was adapted from three methods of seizure stimulation of the in vivo animal model using the maximal electroshock (MES), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), strychnine (STC) methods and in addition, motor coordination.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the laboratory of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria between August to October, 2017.

Methodology: The powdered leaf of A. africana (2000 g) was extracted cold in 10 litres of ethanol (50%). The extraction was made using rotary evaporator at a maximum temperature 45°C. The total dried extract obtained from the 2000 g powdered leaves of A. africana was 216.4 g given 10.8% w/w yield. The dose was established based on preliminary data that proof ratio 1/33 of the LD50 (6.6 g/kg) safe in mice using intraperitoneal route; hence dose 200, 100, 50 and 25 mg/kg applied according to the study design.

Results: Computer software Graph pad PRISM® version 5.00 was used for data analysis. The marked delayed onset of seizure indicated an anti-seizure potential of ethanolic extract of A. africana leaf with the maximal delayed onset of seizure and abolished hind limb tonic extension largely recorded in the least and medium doses, 25, 100 mg/kg respectively significant, P = .05 compared with the normal control in the applied methods. The study also indicated reduced motor planning potential of A. africana leaf extract significantly, P = .05 compared with normal control.

Conclusion: This study suggests antiseizure potential of A. africana leaf of ethanolic extract.