Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTIEPILEPTIC ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF OPUNTIA FICUS INDICA FLOWER IN MICE

Kalbant Kumar* and N.C. Nagalakshmi

Abstract

Opuntia ficus indica flowers (L) commonly known as cactus pear Flower, Indian fig Flower, belongs to the Cactaceae family. In the present study, Methanolic extract of Opuntia ficus indica flowers (MEOF) was tested for anticonvulsant activity in albino mice, using different convulsive models. The Methanolic extract of Opuntia ficus indica flowers produced significant anticonvulsant activity in all models studied. The present study also revealed that MEOF increase the concentration of nor-adrenaline and dopamine in brain of mice which attributed to the significant protection against MES induced seizures. Significant results were observed in the estimated parameters thereby justifying the use of this medicinal plant in the treatment of epilepsy.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Opuntia ficus indica, maximal electroshock, pentylenetetrazole, strychnine, seizures, Nor-adrenaline, Dopamine.