Neuropharmacology of an Extract Derived from Centella asiatica

Abstract

The hydroalcoholic extract of Centella asiataica L. leaves was subjected to pharmacological screening using various experimental models. The extract was found to show protective action against increase in current electroshock (ICES) and chemoconvulsions, which includes pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions, pentylenetetrazol-kindled seizures, and strychnine-induced opisthotonus tonic convulsions. It also showed a reduction in formation of lipid peroxidation products, reduction in spontaneous motor activity, potentiation in diazepam withdrawal-induced hyperactivity, hypothermia, and potentiation of pentobarbitone sleeping time. An extract was administered orally to the animals in all the studies. The extract (200 mg/kg body weight) completely inhibited pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions. In pentylenetetrazol-kindled seizures and strychnine-induced convulsions, the extract showed protection at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The doses of the extract of selected for remaining studies were based on pilot studies, animal model used, and so forth. These findings suggest that C. asiatica extract possesses potential anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and central nervous system depressant actions.

Keywords: :

• Anticonvulsant
• Antioxidant
• Centella Asiatica
• Diazepam Withdrawal-induced Hyperactivity
• Increasing Current Electroshock (ICES) Test
• Lipid Peroxidation
• Pentobarbitone Sleeping Time
• Spontaneous Motor Activity