PRELIMINARY PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND ANTIEPILEPTIC ACTIVITY OF TREMA ORIENTALIS (LINN.) EXTRACTS

Objective: The antiepileptic potential of the petroleum ether (PETO) and methanolic extracts (METO) of the whole plant (roots, leaves, stem, and bark) of Trema orientalis (family: Ulmaceae) was evaluated using different experimental models of epilepsy in rats and mice. Materials and Methods: The anti-epileptic activity of the PETO and METO was evaluated using Picrotoxin, Isoniazid, and NMDA induced convulsion models. The brain GABA was also estimated in Picrotoxin induced convulsion model. The amount of the Lupeol present in PETO was estimated by HPTLC. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of phytosterols, triterpenoids, Fixed oils & Fats, Tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. The anti-epileptic activity of PETO and METO at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg showed a significant increase (p˂0.001) in the onset of convulsions in the models used. The extracts also showed a significant increase in the brain GABA levels in the doses used. The amount of lupeol present in PETO was estimated to be 8.76 μg/ml. Conclusion: The PETO and METO showed significant anti-epileptic activity in the doses used mediated through an increase in the brain GABA levels. INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that affects many people around the world and is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures 1 . These seizures are indicative of symptoms of high neuronal activity in the brain. It is characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures by the neurobiological and psychological consequences of this condition 2 . The antiepileptic drugs that are presently available are unable to control seizures effectively in as many as 25% of the patients 3, 4 . The conventionally available antiepileptic agents like phenytoin, carbamazepine, and sodium valproate have several side effects like neurotoxicity and sedation 5 . QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.10(8). 3957-62 This article can be accessed online on www.ijpsr. com DOI link: http://dx.doi. org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.10(8). 3957-62 As the majority of antiepileptic drugs are consumed life long, concomitant administration of other drugs predisposes to the risk of a drug interaction. Thus, an investigation of a safe antiepileptic agent that is highly efficacious and less toxic is necessary. The medicinal herb, Trema orientalis (Linn.) Blume belonging to the family, Ulmaceae, is a shrub or small to medium size tree and its height varies depending on the location and climatic conditions. It can grow up to 18 m high in forest regions, and up to 1.5 m tall in the savannah. The slender branchlets are covered with white velvety hairs 6 . The young leaves are consumed by the Zulus in South Africa, and the fruits and leaves are also used for its medicinal value 7, 8 . The root of T. orientalis is used in folk medicine for the treatment of trauma, blood stasis, hematuria, and bleeding of intestines and stomach 9 . The stem bark decoctions are used as a vermifuge and anti-dysenteries 10 . The stems and twigs infusion are used to treat fever and toothache.