Anticonvulsant activity of stem bark of Pongamia pinnata

Aim of studyThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of petroleum ether extract of stem bark of P. pinnata and their fractions in laboratory animals.Materials and methodsPongamia pinnata stem bark-petroleum ether extract (PPSB-PEE) was evaluated against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), picrotoxin (PTX), maximal electroshock (MES), strychnine (STY) and isoniazid (INH) induced convulsions in mice. PPSB-PEE was later evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity against electrical kindling model. Fractions of PPSB-PEE (A-K, except B) were evaluated against PTZ, MES, INH induced convulsions and electrical kindling model. Brain GABA was also determined in vitro.Results and conclusionPetroleum ether extract of P. pinnata stem bark (800 mg/kg) and its fractions C (400 mg/kg) and E (200 mg/kg) possesses anticonvulsant activity against PTZ and MES induced convulsions. PPSB-PEE (800 mg/kg) and its fractions C (400 mg/kg) and E (200 mg/kg) were partially effective in reducing kindling in the electrical kindling model. Fraction C (200 mg/kg) and fraction E (100 mg/kg) were also found to increase the brain GABA concentration in PTZ and INH treated mice.