Evaluation of the anti-convulsant activity of aqueous leaf extract of Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) in mice

Abstract

The prevalence of epilepsy is particularly high in Latin America and in several African countries notably Liberia and Nigeria. Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is claimed to be used ethnomedicinally in the management of convulsion, however there are no scientific report on this hence the aim of the study. Dried and powdered leaves of J. curcus (500 g) was extracted by decoction. Preliminary phytochemical screening was done using standard methods. Male mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 4). Group 1 (control) was given 0.2 mL each of normal saline orally while groups II, III, and IV received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous leaf extract of J. curcus and Group V received 30 mg/kg phenobarbitone orally. After one hour, mice were electroshocked (current at 50 mA) for 0.2 s through a pair of ear clip electrodes. In similar grouping and administration, same doses of extract and diazepam (3 mg/kg) as the positive control were used and pentylenetetrazol (70 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to induce convulsion. The onset of tonic leg extension and protection from mortality was noted. Doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) protected the mice against the maximal electroshock-induced convulsion while 400 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) protected the mice against pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Jatropha curcas possesses some secondary metabolites that protected the mice against MES (all doses) and PTZ (400 mg/kg) induced convulsion hence may be useful in the management of epilepsy.