Phytochemical Investigation and Antiepileptic Activity of Asparagus racemosus (Wild) Root Extracts in Rodents

Purpose: The purpose of the research was to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of Asparagus racemosus (wild) (AR) by studying the effects on seizures by maximal electric shock, picrotoxin, and strychnine induced convulsive methods in mice. Methodology: The anticonvulsant effect of ethanolic extract of A. racemosus (ETAR) and methanolic extract of A. racemosus (MEAR) were evaluated. In maximal electric shock abolition of the hind leg tonic extensor component seizure were analyzed. In picrotoxin induced convulsion, time of onset of seizures and time of death were recorded; whereas in strychnine induced convulsion time of occurrence of tonic convulsions and death were noted. Findings: The ETAR (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o) exhibited significant (P<0.001) effects against acute seizures induced by maximal electric shock (MES), chemical convulsants such as picrotoxin and strychnine as compared to MEAR (P<0.05) at the same dose compared statistically by ANOVA-Tukey’s comparison test. Conclusion: The data obtained suggest that the plant has anticonvulsant property. The ETAR exhibited prominent scavenging effect in in-vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as compared to MEAR thus preventing the oxidative free radicals. Flavonoid was isolated from MEAR extract, analyzed by spectral studies and was identified as quercetin. Further investigations are required to isolate other components responsible for anticonvulsant activity.