World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

ANTICONVULSANT ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF VITEX NEGUNDO FLOWERS IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Dr. Yasmeen A. Maniyar and Dr. Dasari Sriraj*

ABSTRACT

Vitex negundo Linn (Family: Verbenaceae), locally known as ‘Nirgundi’ an important medicinal plant is a woody, aromatic shrub growing to a small tree. It commonly bears tri- or penta-foliate leaves on quadrangular branches, which give rise to bluish-purple coloured flowers in branched tomentose cymes. It has been claimed to possess anticonvulsant activity apart from many medicinal properties. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of ethanolic extract of Vitex negundo flowers (EEVNF) in Maximum Electroshock induced Seizure (MES) model in experimental animals. Methods: 30 albino wistar rats of either sex weighing 150-200 gms were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Group I received Normal saline (0.5 ml p.o), Group II received Phenobarbitone (10mg/kg body weight) i.p, Group III,IV,V received different dosages of EEVNF(200,400,800/mg/kg body weight p.o respectively). Convulsions were produced in all groups by giving maximal electric shock of 150 mA for 0.2sec using electroconvulsiometer after 1 hour of giving control, standard and test drugs. Onset and duration of tonic hind limb extension (THLE) and percentage protection were noted. Results: In Maximal electric shock induced seizure (MES) Model, EEVNF in doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg significantly (p<0.001) delayed the onset of THLE and shortened the duration of THLE when compared to the standard drug. Conclusion: Vitex negundo flowers showed anticonvulsant property in Maximal electric shock induced convulsions in experimental animals.

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