To evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Eupatorium birmanicum DC leave (EB) alone and in combination with lamotrigine against MES seizure in albino mice. METHOD: Aqueous extract of EB was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The anticonvulsant and effect of its combination extract was tested on prescreened albino mice at 3 doses (200, 400 & 800 mg/kg). After 1 hr of oral administration of EB the animals were subjected to MES seizures by convulsiometer with a current of 45 mA for 0.2 sec via trans auricular electrodes and the duration of the THLE was recorded. Sub-anticonvulsant dose of lamotrigine was also determined and the effect of their combination with the most effective dose of EB tested. RESULTS: EB aqueous extract exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity in the MES model at doses 400 mg/kg (p<0.02) & 800 mg/kg (p<0.001). The THLE was combined with the sub anticonvulsant totally abolished (p<0.001) when EB extract at 800mg/kg was combined with sub anticonvulsant dose of lamotrigine (5 mg/kg). CONCLUSION: The aqueous extract of E. birmanicum leaves showed significant anticonvulsant activity in MES seizure model in albino mice and the THLE was totally abolished when EB extract at 800 mg/kg was combined with sub anticonvulsant dose of lamotrigine in the same animal model.

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate and compare the anticonvulsant activity of aqueous leave extract of Portulaca oleracea Linn. and Eupatorium brimanicum DC in MES model in albino mice. Methods: Aqueous Extracts were prepared by the soxhlet extraction method. MES model was chosen to evaluate anticonvulsant activity. 36 albino mice were selected and divided into 6 groups for this model. Group I received 2% gum acacia 1 ml/100 g orally. Group II received phenytoin-20 mg/kg orally. Group III and IV received 200 and 400 mg/kg of Portulaca oleracea Linn. Respectively. Group V and VI received 200 and 400 mg/kg of Eupatorium brimanicum DC respectively. Results: The extracts didn’t show any toxicity and significantly reduced hind limb tonic extension (HLTE) duration in MES model (50 mA, 0.2 sec) at higher doses. Conclusion: The results suggest Portulaca oleracea Linn. and Eupatorium brimanicum DC extract possess anticonvulsant activity and justify their use in folk medicine.

When unexpected effects are seen, a drug interaction should be suspected. Careful drug histories are important;