“Evaluation of Antiepileptic and Histopathological Effects of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Amaranthus cruentus L. in Mice.”

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a major health issue with significant psychosocial consequences. Epileptic seizures are a relatively common issue in neurodegenerative illnesses. Antiepileptic medications treat seizures but do not prevent or reverse the underlying pathology.

Although medications are generally well tolerated, there is still a need to find new ones with fewer side effects and more efficacy. The goal of this research was to investigate albino mice for the antiepileptic properties of the leaf extract of Amaranthus cruentus L. in methanol.

Method: The Amaranthus cruentus L. leaves were extracted with methanol using the Soxhlet extraction method. The extract was examined for phytochemical testing. TLC and column chromatography were used to fractionate the chemical components. Fractions were analysed using FTIR and GCMS-MS. Methanolic extract was tested for acute oral toxicity and antiepileptic activity .Antiepileptic activity carried out by inducing seizures with an intraperitoneal dosage of 35 mg/kg PTZ in saline solution. The methanolic extract was tested for antiepileptic activity in Swiss albino mice using the PTZ technique at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The standared medicine used is diazepam at a dose of 2 mg/kg. Histopathological investigation of the brain tissue samples using microscopy to observe cellular changes, inflammation, or other pathological alterations that might be associated with antiepileptic effects.

Result: Amaranthus cruentus L plant leaf methanolic extracts contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids, steroids, glycosides, amino acid flavonoids, carbohydrates, and phenolic tannins. The methanol extract of Amaranthus cruentus yields 8%; FTIR and GCMS-MS analyses reveal distinct compounds. Amaranthus cruentus extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in p-values < 0.05 for epileptic score, p < 0.001 for convulsion latency, and p < 0.001 for convulsion duration. The percentage of protection value was p < 0.001. In addition, the extract has dosage-dependent activity; as the dose increases activity increases.Histopathology study of brain shows some neuroprotective activity.

Conclusion: Amaranthus cruentus L plant leaf methanolic extracts shows significant Antiepileptic activity