Evaluation of antiepileptic activity of the methanol extract of trachyspermum ammi (L.)

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effect of a methanol extract of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) as an antiepileptic agent. Tests were conducted with a single- and multiple-dosing schedule of Trachyspermum ammi (L.), using a strychnineinduced seizure model for epilepsy. Twenty-one animals were divided into three groups; control (vehicle), standard (diazepam) and test (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) extract). Trachyspermum ammi (L.) demonstrated antiepileptic effects, since there was a highly significant delay in the onset of convulsions as compared to the control, whereas the percentage of animals that survived or ignored seizure was also greater compared to the control. However, the duration of convulsions was significantly increased with both Trachyspermum ammi (L.) and diazepam as compared to the control. The methanol extract of Trachyspermum ammi (L.) showed antiepileptic activity, which may be due to the presence of thymol.