Effect of ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica on maximal electroshock seizure in albino mice

ABSTRACT

Background: Animal models had always served as integral part in introducing newer drugs for epilepsy. India has long tradition of using herbal medicines. Centella asiatica is an ingredient of various ayurvedic preparations to treat brain related disorders like insanity, memory loss and epilepsy. This research is done to find out the usefulness of Centella asiatica in epilepsy.  Methods: Ethanolic extract of the plant is prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. Experimental seizure is induced in albino mice by maximal electroshock method. Resulting seizure goes through different phases. Duration of the phase of hind limb extension was the measured data. Clinically used anti epileptic drugs can abolish hind limb extension. Effect is compared to that of standard drug phenytoin. Four different doses of the plant extract; 100mg, 200mg, 500mg and 1000mg per kilogram bodyweight was given orally. Statistical analysis of data was done by one way ANOVA and Dunnett test.Results: Ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica exhibited statistically significant protection from maximal electroshock seizures. All given doses of the extract had p<0.05 when compared to control.Conclusions: Centella asiatica is potential source of anti-epileptic drug. Detailed phytochemical studies and animal experiments are recommended.