Abstract

ANTICONVULSANT EFFECTS OF THE ETHANOL ROOT EXTRACT OF Setaria megaphylla (STEUD) T. DUR AND SCHINZ IN MICE.

*John A. Udobang, Jude E. Okokon and Ette O. Ettebong

Abstract

Background: Setaria megaphylla (Steud) T. Dur and Schinz (Poaceae), is a medicinal plant used in South-South Nigeria to treat malaria, hemorrhoids, urethritis, inflammation, diabetes, fevers and various pains.[1] While some publications have been found on Setaria megaphylla leaves, not much work has been done on its roots. Objectives: This work was therefore designed to investigate anticonvulsant effects of Setaria megaphylla roots to authenticate ethnomedicinal claims of its medicinal usefulness. Methodology: The root extract (150, 300, 450 mg/kg) was investigated for anticonvulsant effect against aminophylline and pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion in mice using standard procedures. Results: Administration of root extract (150 – 450 mg/kg) of S. megapylla caused a dose dependent, significant (p < 0.05 – 0.001) delay in the onset of clonic and tonic convulsions induced by aminophylline and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). The effect of pentylenetetrazole at the highest dose (450 mg/kg) was higher than that of the standard drug diazepam 2 mg/kg. The extract (150 – 450 mg/kg) also caused significant (p < 0.001) prolongation of time of death when compared to the standard drug diazepam 2 mg/kg. Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that the ethanol root extract of S. megaphylla possesses anticonvulsant effect through its phytochemical components. This therefore justifies its ethnomedicinal usage in the treatment of convulsions and epilepsy.

Keywords: Analgesic, Anticonvulsant, Setaria megaphylla, medicinal plant.