Mechanism of Action of Ethanolic Extract of Synedrella nodiflora (ASTERACEAE) in Modulating Seizure Intensities

Abstract

Introduction: Seizure is a neurological disorder which manifests as abnormal cortical nerve cell activity. This results from synchronous neuronal activity in the brain with some effects manifesting as uncontrolled jerky movements involving much of the body with loss of consciousness. Treatment of this neurological condition has been complicated by drug resistance and side effects. This has fueled the need to identify new compounds with properties which can be developed into drugs. Compounds from plant extracts such as Synedrella nodiflora (SNE) have previously been shown to exhibit anti-convulsive properties, making them worthy of further investigation. The aim of this study therefore is to explore the potential pathways with which the extract decreases seizure. Methods: The anti-convulsant effect of ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora was investigated using two animal seizure models; Acute Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and Chronic PTZ induced seizures. Liver and Renal function tests were assessed after Chronic PTZ induced seizures. Brain tissues were resected for histological studies. Flumazenil, a GABA receptor blocker, was used to determine whether or not the extract reduced seizures via the GABAergic pathway. Results: SNE (1000 mg/kg/body weight) reduced PTZ induced kindling significantly (P<0.05). Also, SNE (100, 300, 1000 mg/kg/body weight) reduced the latency and frequency of acute PTZ induced seizures. Histology of the hippocampus of SNE- treated mice showed normal cell count when compared with control mice. Results of Renal and Hepatic Function were within normal limits. SNE had no significant effect after the mice were pretreated with Flumazenil (GABA receptor Blocker). Conclusion: The result of this study provides evidence that the ethanolic extract of the whole plant of Synedrella nodiflora possesses anti-seizure activity probably mediated through GABAergic pathway in murine experimental models.