Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Potential of Alcoholic Extract of Fruits of Capsicum Annuum and Sapindus Emarginatus and Polyherbal Formulation, Formepi-4 In Albino Mice

Maryam Nayeem¹*, Mir Faeq Ali Quadri^2, Mohammed. M. Safhi³

1. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA

2. Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA.

3. Dean, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, KSA

ABSTRACT

Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic diseases of the nervous system. In recent years many plants have been tested for their Anti-epileptic properties. This study aims in evaluating the anti-epileptic activity of the Capsicum annuum and Sapindusemarginatus and a polyherbal formulation prepared by the combination of Capsicum annuum, Sapindus emarginatus, Withania somnifera, Hemidesmus indicus (Formepi-4). Study was carried out using albino mice (25 – 30 grams) 8-10 weeks old, of either sex. The animals were divided into five groups containing six animals in each group. The results for maximal electroshock induced seizures, pentylenetetrazole induced seizures and strychnine induced seizures were expressed as Mean ± Standard Error of Mean. Paired Student’s t-test was used to analyze the level of significance. Maximal electroshock induced seizures, Pentelenetetrazole induced seizures and strychnine induced seizures were significantly protected in mice by ethanolic extract of C.annuum, and Methanolic extract of S.emarginatus, with Formepi-4 showing a 100% protection. The alcoholic e xtract of fruits of Capsicum annuum and Sapindus emarginatus and polyherbal formulation (Formepi-4) possesses Anti-Epileptic activity against seizures induced by different mechanisms.

Keywords: Capsicum annuum, Sapindus emarginatus, Withania somnifera, Hemidesmus indicus, Anti- epileptic activity, Experimental animals