Ann Clin Toxicol | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access
Yunusa S1*, Adamu NU1, Garkuwa UA2 and Aliyu A3
1Department of Pharmacology, Bauchi State University Gadau, Nigeria
2Department of Physiology, Bauchi State University Gadau, Nigeria
3Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Gombe State University, Nigeria
Epilepsy is amongst the oldest and most recognizable health problem and disabilities that afflicts almost fifty (50) million individuals across the world. Discrimination and social stigma are largely associated with epilepsy over decades. This research investigated the Anticonvulsant effects of methanol stem bark extract of Adansonia digitata in wistar rats following Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsion. Phytoconstituents and median Lethal Dose (LD50) values of the extract were also determined using standard methods. The Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of bioactive plant secondary metabolite such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and tannins while the acute toxicity studies revealed the LD50 values of approximately 5000 mg/kg body weight. The extract was able to significantly and dose dependently increased the onset of seizure and reduced seizure latency at the doses of 750 mg/kg and 1500 mg/kg body weight when compared to normal saline treated group. In this study, methanol stem bark extract of Adansonia digitata was found to contain phytochemicals which may be responsible for the observed anticonvulsant activity, supporting the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of epilepsy, However, the current study did not identify the active agent/s mediating the antiepileptic property of this plant and the mechanism through which the effect was exerted. Therefore further research is required.
Epilepsy; Adansonia digitata; Pentylenetetrazole; Phytochemistry; LD50
Yunusa S, Adamu NU, Garkuwa UA, Aliyu A. Anticonvulsant Activity of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae) in Rats. Ann Clin Toxicol. 2020; 3(1): 1026..