Anticonvulsant and sedative effect of ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica on albino mice

ABSTRACT

This research work has been designed to show the CNS neurotransmitter receptors activity especially anticonvulsant and sedative activity of ethanolic extracts of Centella asiatica on a number of pharmacological model in mice. Phenobarbitone and diazepam induced sleeping time model was used to demonstrate the sedative activity and the ethanolic extract of Centella asiatica significantly prolonged [p<0.00 1] phenobarbitone and diazepam induced sleeping time in mice as compared with the control suggesting possible interaction with GABA-BNZ receptors complex to mediate sedative action. According to Nikethamide induced convulsion model where tonic and clonic convulsion as well as mortality and morbidity rate was considered and the extracts of Centella asiatica were shown to be delayed the Nikethamide [300 mg/kg, i.p.] induced convulsion indicating a possible action involving GABA and glutamate receptors to mediate anti-convulsant effects. Therefore, this plant may have the potential in the treatment of various CNS disorders like anxiety, depression, insomnia and convulsion as well as this data can also be used in the development of novel psychopharmatherapeutic agents