Effect of repeated administration of Annona diversifolia Saff. (ilama) extracts and palmitone on rat amygdala kindling

Annonas are consumed as fresh fruits, but, because of their effects on the central nervous system, are also used in folk medicine. The effect on rat amygdala kindling of repeated administration of Annona diversifolia hexane (100 mg/kg IP or PO) and ethanol (100 mg/kg, PO) leaf extracts and palmitone (10 mg/kg, IP) was determined. Electrographic and/or behavioral changes were monitored during kindling-induced seizures 60 minutes after treatments. Antiepileptic efficacy was evaluated with respect to afterdischarge (AD) duration, spike frequency, and/or behavioral seizure activity. Oral administration of both extracts significantly decreased spike frequency, whereas intraperitoneally administered hexane extract and palmitone only reduced AD duration. Hexane extract and palmitone exhibited anticonvulsant properties and delayed establishment of a kindling state as observed with diazepam (0.3 mg/kg IP). These results reinforce the anticonvulsant properties of this plant, and palmitone and other constituents are responsible for the pharmacological effects.