Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of polyherbal formulation based on ayurvedic formulation Brihad Panchagavya Ghrita

Background: The aim of the present study was to develop a polyherbal formulation for epilepsy. Present polyherbal formulation (PHF) (containing Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso, Mimosa pudica L., Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC., Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp, and Lawsonia inermis L.) is based on an ayurvedic formulation Brihad Panchagavya Ghrita indicated for epilepsy. Materials and Methods: To establish the scientific basis of mechanism, we examined the effects of methanolic extract of PHF (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) on maximal electric shock (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), and isoniazid (INH)-induced convulsions as well as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamate level in the brain tissues in PTZ-induced seizure model. Phenytoin (25 mg/kg, i.p.) for MES-induced seizure and diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.) for PTZ and INH-induced epilepsy were used as reference drugs, respectively. Results: The extract showed no toxicity and significantly prolonged the onset and reduced the duration of the seizures induced by MES. Phenytoin (25 mg/kg, i.p.) completely inhibited the seizures in this model. Similarly, in the seizures induced by PTZ and INH, the extract also prolonged the onset and reduced the duration of the seizures though not in a dose-dependent manner. Diazepam also inhibits the PTZ and INH-induced seizures. The plant extract however showed a significant anticonvulsant activity at 400 mg/kg in comparison with diazepam. The extract also attenuates the chemical (PTZ) induce oxidative stress in the brain. Moreover, the extract (400 mg/kg) also significantly decreases the GABA-transaminase enzyme activity in PTZ model. The PHF was also found to be capable in reversing the INH-induced decline in GABA level and increase in glutamate level in the brain. Conclusions: The results obtained from this work suggest that PHF has anticonvulsant activity, and this supports the use of the formulation traditionally in the treatment of convulsions.