RESUMO
Ethanolic extract of Pongamia pinnata leaves was investigated for possible anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol [PTZ] and Maximum Electroshock [MES] - induced seizures in mice. Effect of the extract on spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed using Actophotometer. Any possible change in brain GABA content was also determined, in a trial, to correlate such change with the anticonvulsant activity. In PTZ-induced seizures, the extract delayed the onset of convulsions dose-dependently. The highest dose elicited complete protection against tonic hind leg extension together with remarkable reduction in mortality. In MES-induced convulsions, the extract produced significant increase in the current required to produce tonic hind leg extension. In Actophotometer the extract produced significant decrease in spontaneous locomotion compared with the control group. Brain GABA content was increased significantly by the extract in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, Investigation of ethanolic extract of P. pinnata leaves showed significant anticonvulsant activity comparable with the reference drug diazepam and such activity was accompanied with reduction in the locomotion and increase in brain GABA concentration