Phytomedicine Plus (May 2022)

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn hydroethanolic leaf extract exhibits anticonvulsant properties in mouse models

  • Anthony Sarfo,
  • Wonder Kofi Mensah Abotsi,
  • Edmund Ekuadzi,
  • Eric Woode

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 2
p. 100263

Abstract

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Background: Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Malvaceae) is a plant documented folklorically to be used in the management of epilepsy but with no scientific evidence to support its efficacy. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant properties of a hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ceiba pentandra (CPLE). Methods: Mouse models of acute seizures [maximal electroshock (MES)-, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, strychnine- and picrotoxin (PIC)- induced seizure tests)] and status epilepticus (lithium/pilocarpine test) were employed to investigate the anticonvulsant properties of CPLE (30–300 mg/kg, p.o.). The effects of CPLE on motor coordination (rotarod test) and spontaneous locomotor activity (open field test) were also examined. The study further investigated the possible involvement of GABAergic mechanisms in the actions of the extract. Results: CPLE, given orally, delayed the onset and reduced the frequency and duration of PTZ- and PIC-induced convulsions. Additionally, CPLE delayed the onset of convulsions and prolonged survival in the 4-aminopyridine test. The extract also prolonged survival in the MES test. CPLE, however, failed to attenuate strychnine-induced convulsions. The extract reduced severity of convulsions and increased the latency to status epilepticus in the lithium-pilocarpine test. Pre-treatment of the animals with flumazenil (1 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the anticonvulsant effect of the extract (100 mg/kg) against PTZ-induced convulsions. The extract (at 300 mg/kg) impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test and reduced locomotor activity in the open field arena. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that Ceiba pentandra leaf extract has significant anticonvulsant properties in mouse models. These observations justify the traditional use of Ceiba pentandra for the management of seizure conditions.

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