Evaluation of anti-convulsant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Leonurus cardiaca against pentylenetetrazole induced convulsions in Mice

Abstract

Leonurus cardiaca is a popular Indian herb which is used in the treatment of weaknesses and disorders, allaying nervous irritability, anti-pyretic, inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. It is also seen as a remedy for heart palpitations,it has a strengthening effect, especially on weak heart. Antispasmodic and sedative effects promote relaxation rather than the drowsiness. The aim of present study was to evaluate anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of leaves of leonurus cardiaca against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) induced convulsions in mice. All the animals were divided into four groups of six mice each and were injected PTZ (65mg/kg intraperitonially). Group I was served as toxic control PTZ (65mg/kg i.p.). Group II was pretreated with diazepam (4mg/kg p.o.),Group III was pretreated with  methanolic extract of leave of leonurus cardiaca   (100 mg/kg p.o.) for 7 days. Group IV was pretreated with methanolic extract of leaves of leonurus cardiaca  (200mg/kg p.o.) for 7 days. The result shows that methanolic extract of leaves of leonurus cardiaca significantly reduced duration of clonic convulsions and also delayed the onset of convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole. The results were expressed as mean ±SEM and were statistically analyzed by one way ANOVA. It is concluded that methanolic extract of leaves Leonurus Cardiaca can show anticonvulsant activity against pentylenetetrazol induced convulsions in mice.