Anticonvulsant potential of commonly practiced formulations of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.) in Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn) is an important herb in Ayurved, reported to have a wide range of medicinal properties. In clinical practice it is usually prescribed in its various dosage forms. The most common of those are Brahmi Ghrita (BG) and Saraswatarishta (SW). Use of Brahmi as anti-convulsion drug is well documented in scientific literature however; no data is available on the effect of its commonly practiced dosage forms. Hence, the study was carried out to evaluate anti-convulsion potential of BG and SW.

Method

The anticonvulsant activity of BG and SW was studied against seizures induced by Maximal Electroshock (MES) in rats and phenytoin (25 mg/kg Intra Peritoneal) was used as standard. Different phases of convulsions (Hind limb extension, jerking, grooming, tail straub and recovery) were recorded as index of convulsion. The brain tissue was dissected out for biochemical analysis.

Result

Treatment of rats with SW and BG in Maximal Electroshock (MES) induced convulsions showed statistically significant potential as compared to control groups (P ≤ 0.01 or P ≤ 0.001). SW or BG showed significant improvement in all the phases of convulsion except grooming response. Brain tissues of test animals evaluated for malondialdehyde (MDA) levels showed the higher levels in phenytoin group than in BG and SW treated group suggesting protection of brain tissue from oxidative damage.

Conclusion

The results indicated SW and BG to be effective in promoting restorative and neuroprotective action in convulsions thus suggesting a further scope of evaluation of these formulations as an adjuvant treatment for convulsions.