Anti-epileptogenic potential of methanol root bark extract of Securinega virosa (Roxb ex. Wild) Baill. in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindled mice

Abstract

Introduction: Securinega virosa is an important African medicinal plant in the treatment of a number of central nervous system disorders including epilepsy. Antiepileptogenic agent control seizure properties and sometimes reverses the processes of epilepsy development.
Objectives: This study aimed at investigating the antiepileptogenic potential of methanol root bark extract of Securinega virosa (MRSV) in mice.
Methods: The oral median lethal dose (LD50) was estimated using Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 425 at a limit test dose of 2000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening was carried out on MRSV using standard protocols. The antiepileptogenic potential of the extract was investigated at doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg using pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling. Thereafter the involvement of antioxidant mechanism was assessed using biochemical assay of malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and Catalase activities on the brain tissues.
Results: The methanol root extract of S. virosa at all doses significantly (p<0.05) reduced seizure scores compared with the control group. MRSV significantly (p<0.05) increased the onset of seizure at 250 and 500 mg/kg. MRSV significantly (p<0.05) decreased the duration of seizure. The methanol root extract of S. virosa significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA level only at 500 mg/kg. Similarly MRSV non-significantly increased GSH activity at 250 and 500 mg/kg. MRSV non-significantly increased SOD and CAT activities.
Conclusion: The methanol root extract of S. virosa possesses antiepileptogenic activity which is possibly mediated through the anti-oxidant mechanism.