Anticonvulsant Activity of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Ajuga integrifolia Buch.-Ham (Lamiaceae) leaves in Mice
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Date
2020-11
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Ajuga integrifolia is one of the species in the genus Ajuga that is used in the Ethiopian traditional
medicine for the treatment of different ailments, including epilepsy. Thus, this study was initiated
to evaluate the traditional anticonvulsant use of 80% methanol leaves extract and solvent fractions
of Ajuga integrifolia. Acute routine screening tests; the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal
electroshock (MES) models were used. The rota rod test was further performed to evaluate
neurotoxic effect of the plant. Swiss albino mice of 6-8 weeks old were randomly assigned to five
groups (n=6/group). The test groups received 100, 200 and 400mg/kg oral dose of crude extract
and solvent fractions for both PTZ and MES tests as well as 2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg i.p. dose for rota
rod test. The positive control groups received valproate 200mg/kg oral for PTZ, phenytoin
25mg/kg oral for MES, and diazepam 5mg/kg i.p for rota rod test. The negative control groups
received oral dose of 10 ml/kg of distilled water or 2% tween 80. The crude extract produced dose
dependent and statistically significant anticonvulsant effect on both PTZ and MES induced
seizures. It was suggested by delayed latency (p<0.001 for 400 mg/kg and p<0.05 for 100mg/kg
and 200mg/kg) and fast recovery (p<0.001 for all doses) on PTZ and reduction of duration of tonic
hind limb extension (p<0.001 for all doses) in MES model, against control. Similarly, n-butanol
and chloroform fractions displayed dose dependent activity in both models as evidenced by having
significant activity against control. However, aqueous fraction at doses used did not show a
significant effect on latency and duration on both models. Furthermore, all doses of the crude
extract and solvent fractions did not display a significant change in motor coordination. The plant
extract contained alkaloid, glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and
saponins that might contribute to the observed anticonvulsant activity. In conclusion, the plant has
anticonvulsant activity at various doses providing evidence for its traditional use.
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Keywords
Anticonvulsant, Epilepsy, Seizure, Pentylenetetrazole, Maximal electroshock, Ajuga integrifolia