Abstract

Background: Antiepileptics available currently cause teratogenicity and chronic toxicity. Several plant extracts exhibit the potential to be developed into newer antiepileptics. Aims and
Objective: To evaluate the anticonvulsant action of aqueous extract of Centella asiatica and compare itwithsodiumvalproate inpentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-inducedseizuresinalbinomice.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male albino mice weighing 18–30 g were divided into four groups. Group I was administered distilled water, group II sodium valproate (300 mg/kg i.p.), and groups III and IV aqueous extract of C. asiatica (100mg/kgand300mg/kg),respectively.SeizureswereinducedbygivingPTZ(80mg/kgs.c.)1hafteradministrationofthe respectivetreatments.Suppressionofclonicseizurewasconsideredasanindicatorof anticonvulsant actionof thecompound. Result: The aqueous extract of C. asiatica at both doses (100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) suppressed the clonic seizures in mice, andthiswasstatisticallysignificant.Theanticonvulsantactionoftheextractatadoseof300mg/kgwascomparabletothatof sodium valproate in this study. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of C. asiatica at a dose of 300 mg/kg has shown anticonvulsant action comparable to sodium valproate in PTZ-induced seizures.