Investigation of phytochemicals and anti-convulsant activity of the plant Coleus amboinicus (lour.)

Objectives: The present study has been designed to evaluate the comparative anticonvulsant activity of different parts of Coleus amboinicus as it has been mentioned in the various literatures regarding the use of this plant in the treatment of epilepsy, but no specific scientific reports are available in this regard. Materials and Methods: The in vitro anticonvulsant activity of leaf, stem and roots of C. amboinicus has been evaluated by maximal electric shock-induced seizures (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures models in Swiss albino mice. The drug/extracts were administered through intra-peritoneal route (100 mg/ml), in both experimental models and the effect was compared with Phenytoin in MES and PTZ-induced convulsion. Results: All the three studied extracts have shown significant anticonvulsant activity in both the models. However, the alcoholic leaf extract has shown highest activity by abolishing the MES-induced convulsions after 60 minutes of drug administration. The duration of convulsions in PTZ model was also significantly reduced (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The alcoholic leaf extract of the C. amboinicus has shown the significant anticonvulsant activity in both the studied models, followed by stem and root extracts. The presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins in these extracts may be responsible for this activity.