Evaluation of anti convulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Momordica tuberosa in experimental animals

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti convulsant property of ethanolic extract of Momordica tuberosa in Pentylenetetrazole and MES induced convulsions in experimental models. Materials & Methods: The purpose of this study is to explore the anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Momordica tuberosa using Pentylenetetrazole and maximal electric shock induced convulsions in rats. MES Model: rats were divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. GROUP-I (NC) received 2% GA 2ml, GROUP-II (STD) received Phenytoin 25mg/kg, GROUP-III, IV received low dose (250 mg/kg) & high dose (500 mg/kg) of Momordica tuberosa respectively orally Convulsions were produced in all groups by giving maximal electric shock of 150 mA for 0.2sec after 1 hour of giving test and standard drugs orally. Tonic clonic seizures were produced after giving electric shock. Recovery time was noted. The percentage of inhibition of convulsions by drugs was measured and compared between the control, standard and test. PTZ model: Rats were divided and test drugs were given same as above model but standard drug was Sodium valproate (50mg/Kg). Convulsions were induced by giving the Pentylenetetrazole IP 1 hr after giving test and standard drugs intraperitonially (IP). The onset of convulsions, duration of action, type of seizures were noted and compared between standard and test groups. Results: In MES Model, ethanolic extract of Momordica tuberosa significantly (p<0.001) decreased the duration of tonic clonic seizures and recovery time. The percentage of inhibition was 66%. In PTZ Model the onset of seizures was delayed (p<0.002) with low and high doses and the duration of convulsions was reduced effectively (p<0.001). Type of seizure was controlled in initial phase and number of seizures were also reduced. Conclusion: Momordica tuberosa was shown anticonvulsant property in both MES and PTZ animal models.