- Anticonvulsant Activity of Capsicum Annum (Red Pepper) Fruit Extract using Pentylentetrazole and Maximum Electroshock Induced Seizure Tests in Rats
Background: Epilepsy is a disorder of brain function characterized by periodic and unpredictable occurrence of seizures that refers to as a transient alteration of behavior due to disordered, synchronous and rhythmic firing of populations of brain neurons. Modern drug therapy of epilepsy is complicated by side effects and inability to control seizures in some patients.
Objectives: The present study was conducted to test the anticonvulsant activity of Capsicum annum fruit extract in rat models.
Materials and Methods: The methanolic extract of Capsicum annum fruit was tested for its potential anticonvulsant activity using pentylentetrazole (PTZ) and maximum electroshock (MES) induced seizure models in rats. The simple activity meter was used to determine the sedative activity of Capsicum annum fruit extract. Thereafter, the protective index was calculated.
Results: Results obtained showed that the extract at concentrations of 5, 9, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg produced dose dependent anticonvulsant activity. Capsicum annum (40 mg/kg, i.p.) caused 100% protection from seizure induced by PTZ and sedation in 50% of rats (TD50). Fifty percent anticonvulsant activity was produced by 9mg/kg Capsicum annum. Moreover, the protective index was calculated to be more than four. When tested on seizure induced by MES, Capsicum annum extract at doses of 10, 20 and 40 mg\kg showed no seizure protection.
Conclusion: It could be concluded that Capsicum annum fruit could be a source for potential antiepileptic agent(s). Further studies are needed to determine the active constituents responsible for the anticonvulsant activity as well as to elucidate their mechanism(s) of action.
published in Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences
- Investigation of Anti-nociceptive Activity of Sage (Salvia officinalis) on Aacetic Acid induced Writhing in Rats
The objective of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive activity of Salvia officinalis leaf extract in rats. Five doses of Salvia officinalis ethanolic extract (50,100,200,400,600 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to investigate their potential anti-nociceptive activity using acetic acid induced writhing in rats compared to morphine and diclofenac sodium as standard drugs. The extract exhibited dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effect. High protection (98.74 %) was produced by 600 mg/kg, followed by 400mg/kg and 200mg/kg, respectively, while less activity was elicited by the dose 50 mg/kg compared to the positive controls (morphine and diclofenac sodium) which showed 100% protection. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that Salvia officinalis leaf extract could be a potential source of anti-nociceptive principles.
published in Pyrex Journal of Medicinal Plant Research
- Anticonvulsant activity of some vanilloid receptor agonists
Background: Vanilloid receptors 1 (VR 1), a group of transient receptor potential channels family
was cloned in 1997. They were found to be a potential target for treatment of different acute and
chronic pain disorder. Recently these receptors were reported to be involved in several pathological
conditions.
Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potential anticonvulsant activity of five
vanilloidal agonists (capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol).
Methods: Experimental animal model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure was used to
investigate the potential anticonvulsant activity of capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone,
dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol.
Results: The data obtained showed that, all tested compounds (capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone,
dehydrozingerone and 6-gingerol) possess dose dependant anticonvulsant activity.
Conclusion: The five vanilloidal agonists; capsaicin, nonivamide, zingerone, dehydrozingerone
and 6-gingerol exhibit anticonvulsant activity and may find clinical applications.
published in Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences
