The Anticonvulsant Effect of Eupatorium Birmanicum DC Leave Extract Alone and in Combination with Phenytoin Against MES Seizure in Albino Mice.

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.

Protective Effect of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Acacia Catechu in Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity.

Objective: To study the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu in carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: The liver damage in albino rat was induced by a subcutaneous injection of 50%v/ v carbon tetrachloride in olive oil at the dose of 2ml/kg twice a week for 14days. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored biochemically by estimating serum transaminases, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum bilirubin and serum protein after intraperitoneal injection of ethyl acetate extract of Katha(250mg/kg). Silymarin(5mg/kg.I.P) was given as a reference drug. The histopathological changes of liver samples were compared with that of control. Results: Ethyl acetate extract of Acacia catechu inhibited carbon tetrachloride induced liver toxicity in albino rats at 250mg/kg body weight as assessed by the biochemical and histological examination. Conclusion: Ethyl acetate extract of “Katha” exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity.