Comparative Effects of Antiepileptic Agents Dichrostachys glomerata Ethanol Extract and Carbamazepine on Seizures and Anxiety in Mice

Abstract

Aim: Treatment for neurological disorders have been sought through both herbal and orthodox medicine, therefore this present study compared the antiepileptic effects of Dichrostachys glomerata (D. glomerata) and Carbamazepine (CBZ) on Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Swiss white mice of 20 – 30 g body weight were randomly divided into four groups of six mice. They were treated with normal saline (0.1 ml/10 g body weight i.p) for control, PTZ (65 mg/kg body weight i.p), D. glomerata (4.5 mg/kg body weight i.p) and CBZ (40 mg/kg body weight i,p). The seizure assay was carried out and the light-dark box and elevated plus maze were used to test for anxiety. Treatment was for seven days. On the experimental day, tests were conducted 15 minutes after PTZ administration. CBZ served as the reference drug. Results: Both CBZ and D. glomerata increased the latency of seizure (p<0.001) but that of CBZ group was significantly higher (p<0.001) compared to DG group. CBZ significantly lowered (p<0.01) the duration of seizure compared to the D.G group. In the light-dark box, CBZ lowered the duration the mice spent in the dark chamber compared to the control and DG groups (p<0.05). In the elevated plus maze, CBZ and D. glomerata significantly decreased (p<0.05) the grooming duration compared to control. CBZ also significantly increased (p<0.05) the open arm entry frequency. Conclusion: D. glomerata exhibited anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects in comparison to placebo. Although D. glomerata was effective in reducing seizures in mice, CBZ was observed to be more efficient in alleviating anxiety.