Evaluation of the anticonvulsant properties of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense leaves in mice

Abstract

Detarium senegalense, J.F. Gmelin (Fabaceae) is used in Nigerian folk medicine to treat different diseases including epilepsy, microbial infections, gastrointestinal diseases and inflammation; its efficacy is widely acclaimed among communities in South Eastern Nigeria. The leaf extract (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity in mice. Three different study models were used; pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), brucine and isoniazid (INH) convulsion methods. The acute toxicity study and the phytochemical analysis of the extract were also determined. The extract produced significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) dose-dependent delay in onset, frequency and duration of seizures in mice in the three models of convulsion which is comparable to the standard anticonvulsant drug. The oral acute toxicity test was greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. The phytochemical screening revealed that D. senegalense leaf extract contains bioactive principles that are relevant in the management of seizure disorders. These findings suggest that D. senegalense leaf extract possesses anticonvulsant properties and justifies its use in traditional medicine.

Comparative antihyperglycemic potentials of different fractions of Detarium senegalense stem bark extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats

“…Its phytochemical analysis was equally carried out, and the result indicates the presence of a variety of phytoconstituents in the extract. These classes of chemical compounds are known to exert pharmacological effect more especially on the vital organs of the body [17,18]. Although compared to some reports, the phytochemical screening of the leaves of D. senegalense revealed the presence of a variety of secondary metabolites, including tannins (Idris, 2014), flavonoids, saponins [19], alkaloids, glycosides, steroids [20].The presence of flavonoids indicate that D. senegalensis has antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities, and the alkaloid too can be applied in the treatment of some ailment.…”

Hepatoprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Detarium senegalense stem bark in albino Wistar

“…This plant contains various active principles able to inhibit the growth of mycobacteria. Previous pharmacological studies revealed that extract of D. senegalense was found to possess antidiarrhoeal activity [10], antimicrobial activity [11,12], and antiproliferativ activity [13], anthelminthic [14], antiepileptic [15] and antihyperglycemia [16]. The present study investigates the hepatotoxicity potential of ethanol stem bark extract of Detarium senegalense against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.…”