Evaluation of bioactive potentials in the crude flavonoid fraction from the leaves of Butea monosperma in vitro and in vivo in experimental models

Oxidative stress is responsible for the advent of seizure hence, antioxidants are used for the treatment neurodegenerative ailments such as epilepsy. Profoundly, Butea monosperma possess several medicinal properties and the preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, triterpenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides in the leaves. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the bioactive potentials in the isolated crude flavonoid fraction (FF) from the leaves. FF was isolated by successive methanol extract method and was evaluated for antioxidant and anticonvulsant activities in vitro and in vivo. For in vivo study, 25 healthy Wistar Albino rats were employed in five groups (Gp): Gp 1: control, Gp 2: standard group receiving phenytoin sodium and Gp 3-5: test groups receiving oral doses of FF i.e., 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. In vitrodata showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity (88.86±0.006%), reducing power activity (0.694±0.002%) and nitric oxide scavenging activity (87.98±0.013%). In vivo, a significant depression in the phases and percentage incidence of convulsions was observed in the maximal electroshock model in a dose-dependent manner. The pentylene tetrazole-induced seizure model also depicted a significant (p≤0.001) decrease in the latency of convulsions and an increase in the percentage protection against the convulsions in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest antioxidant and anticonvulsant potential of FF obtained from Butea monosperma leaves.