ABSTRACT
To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Eupatorium birmanicum DC leave (EB) alone and in combination with phenytoin against MES seizure in albino mice. Method: Aqueous extract of EB was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The anticonvulsant effect of the extract was tested on prescreened albino mice at 3 doses (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg). After 1 hr of oral administration of EB the animals were subjected to MES seizures by convulsiometer with a current of 45 mA for 0.2 sec via transauricular electrodes and the duration of the THLE was recorded. Sub-anticonvulsant dose of phenytoin was also determined and the effect of its combination with the most effective dose of EB tested. Results: EB aqueous extract exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity in the MES model at doses 400 mg/ kg (p<0.01) & 800 mg/kg (p<0.001). This reduction in the duration of THLE at 800mg/kg of EB was further reduced significantly (p<0.001) when combined with subanticonvulsant doses of phenytoin (10mg/kg). Conclusion: The aqueous extract of E. birmanicum leaves showed significant anticonvulsant activity in MES seizure model in albino mice and it significantly increased the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin in the same animal model.