Michael O Afolayan¹ , Kamal J Muhammad¹, Uzama Danlami¹, Paul C Onyenekwe², Mohammed G Magaji³

Abstract

Purpose: To propose a specific mode of action for the activity of the crude aqueous extract of Hippocratea welwitchii Oliv (Celastraceae) roots using specific models. Methods: The extract was evaluated for anticonvulsant activity using picrotoxin, 4-amino pyridine, N methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and the effects of flumazenil on the extract on seizures caused by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in adult Swiss mice of either sex, locally bred, and weighing 20 ± 2 g at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg. Five groups of ten mice each were used for all tests. Extracts were given orally to all mice, while the convulsing agents were administered intraperitoneally after administration of the extract. Results: The extract at 125 and 250 mg/kg provided 100 and 80 % protection against mortality, respectively, while at a dose of 250 mg/kg, it afforded 60 % protection against NMDA-induced clonic spasm; this suggests the involvement of glutamatergic neurotransmission in its anticonvulsant activity. The extract did not produce any protection against death in the picrotoxin test, but it was able to prolong the time of death (14.72 ± 1.10) and onset of seizure (11.78 ± 1.21) at 125 mg/kg dose of the extract in the treated mice. Quite notably, the 500 mg/kg dose of the extract delayed seizure onset (16.49 ± 0.33) and time of death (18.36 ± 1.88) of the treated mice in 4-Aminopyridine induced convulsions. Conclusion: The aqueous crude extract of Hippocratea welwitchii exhibits promising antiepileptic potential, which can be further harnessed through more thorough biological analyses and additional research on the chemical description of the anticonvulsant active principles and definite mechanism of anticonvulsant action.