Studies on Anti - Convulsant Activity of Stem Barks of Calotropis Gigantean Linn

The stem barks of Calotropis gigantea Linn. (Asclepiadaceae) a widely growing plant has been reported to possess number of medicinal properties. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate scientifically the anti-convulsant effect of barks of the plant used traditionally in Indian system of medicine, using MES and PTZ induced seizure models. The effect of different extracts of stem barks of the plant were evaluated for their anti-convulsant profile in maximal electroshock seizures (MES) test and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) test using albino Wister rats. The ED50 dose of Phenytoin (25mg/kg) was used for comparison. The methanolic extract at 180 mg/kg body weight significantly (p<0.001) inhibited the Hind Limb Tonic Extension (HLTE) induced by MES and onset of clonic convulsion or latency of convulsion induced by PTZ. Overall the methanolic extract of the stem barks of the plant has a faster onset of action and responses were qualitatively similar to Phenytoin. So on the basis of the present findings we can conclude that the stem bark of Calotropis gigantea Linn. Possess potential anticonvulsant activity.