Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of Saraca asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde in Swiss albino mice

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder distressing a large scale of the inhabitants, which accounts for about 1% of the world’s burden of diseases. A large number of groups called antiepileptic drugs are accessible to treat several types of seizures with the objective to decrease seizure incidence and ruthlessness within an outline of an acceptable level of side effects, search for an alternative antiepileptic from natural source, i.e., herbal remedies, which were used traditionally, and safe on human health, is gaining global attention. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study is intended to evaluate the antiepileptic activity of Saraca asoca flower (Roxb.) Wilde extract of S. asoca flower (ESAF) in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic ESAF was prepared by a continuous method using Soxhlet apparatus with respected temperature. EASF in the doses 50, 100 mg/kg bodyweight along with valproate was administrated to albino mice by oral route followed by antiepileptic activity was evaluated by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure models. Abolition of tonic hind limb extension (THLE) phase and increase in seizure latency period, when compared to control group, were taken as a measure of protection in MES- and PTZ-induced convulsion model, respectively. The results are expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance test followed by post hoc Dunnett’s multiple comparison tests. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: ESAF in the dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg bodyweight showed significant antiepileptic property in both MES and PTZ seizure models. There was significant abolition of THLE phase in MES model. There was also significant increase in seizure latency in PTZ-induced seizure model. Conclusion: ESAF possesses significant antiepileptic activity. Further, investigations are required to determine its active constituents and also its mechanism of action.