STUDY OF THE ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF SEEDS OF BENINCASA HISPIDA LINN. IN ALBINO RATS.

Abstract

 Objective: Seeds of Benincasa hispida has been traditionally used as anticonvulsant. The aim of the study is to assess the anticonvulsant activity of Ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida (EEBH) by Maximal Electroshock seizure (MES) and Pentylenetetrazol induced seizure models on Albino (Wistar strain) rats.

Methods: Albino rats were taken and divided into five groups, each consisting of five rats both for MES and PTZ model. One group was used as control (normal saline 10 ml/kg), one as standard (phenytoin in MES model/Diazepam in PTZ model), and three groups for the test drug (EEBH in the doses of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg) treatment. In MES model Maximal electrical shock of 150 mA was passed for 0.2 seconds through ear lobe electrodes after 30 minutes of giving the drugs and normal saline. Different stages of convulsions were noted down along with time spent by the animal in each phase of convulsions. In PTZ model, Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was injected 30 minutes after giving the drugs and normal saline, and onset of action and severity of convulsions were noted.

Results: Data were statistically analysed by One way ANOVA followed by multiple Dunnett's test. EEBH dose dependently reduced the duration of tonic hind limb extension in MES model and there was increase in latency and occurrence of convulsions in PTZ model.

Conclusion: EEBH has anticonvulsant activity.

Key words- Anticonvulsant, Maximal Electroshock, Pentylenetetrazol, Benincasa hispida