Behavioural and anticonvulsant properties of methanol extract of the stem bark of Stereospermum kunthianum Cham in mice

Decoctions of Stereospermum kunthianum Cham are used in Nigeria's folk medicine for the management of epilepsy and their efficacies are commonly applauded among the rural communities of northern Nigeria. The aim of the study is to investigate the behavioural and anticonvulsant properties of the standardized methanol extract of the stem bark of S. kunthianum, in order to scientifically establish its potential values in the management of convulsive and anxiety disorders. The oral median lethal dose (LD50) is determined in mice. The anticonvulsant effect of S. kunthianum was evaluated on pentylenetetrazole induced-seizure in mice and phenobarbitone induced-sleep was used to examine the sedative effect of the extract, marble burying test was performed to investigate the anxiolytic effect. The oral LD50 of the extract was assessed to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. S. kunthianum significantly extend the onset of pentylenetetrazole induced seizure and reduced the episodes as well. It shortened the onset and prolonged the duration of Phenobarbitone-induced sleep, it also significantly decreased the number of marbles buried by the mice, signifying anxiolytic effect. Our study offers scientific proof that the extract may possess psychoactive principles with potential anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties.