Anti-seizure properties of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) ethanolic leaf extract in laboratory animals.

Background: Preparation of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) is widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of different kinds of ailments such as syphilis, malaria, convulsions and rheumatism. Aim: The present study examined the median lethal dose (LD50) and possible anti-seizure potentials of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract using acute seizure models. Results: The intraperitoneal LD50 of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract in mice and chicks was found to be 2,150 mg/kg. The Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract has shown significantly (p < 0.05) delayed time for the onset of seizure against pentylenetetrazole- and strychnine-induced seizures in a non-dose dependent manner both at 300 mg/kg. The extract has also shown significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) delayed time for onset of seizures against 4-aminopyridine-induced seizure model in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The extract has not shown appreciable activity against picrotoxin and maximum electroshock-induced seizure models. Conclusions: The present study revealed that Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract possesses anti-seizure properties which supports its folkloric use for the management of convulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]