Anticonvulsant studies on the isolated compounds from the leaves of Scurrula parasitica L (Loranthaceae)

Abstract

The leaves of Scurrula parasitica were effectively extracted by means of cold extraction method. Fractionation and purification of the n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol crude extracts yielded eight compounds. These compounds were identified as quercetin (1), quercitrin (2), kaempferol 3-O--L-rhamnoside (3), (+)-catechin (4), lupeol (5), lupeol palmitate (6), -sitosterol (7), and squalene(8). Compounds 1, 4, 5, and 6 were investigated for anticonvulsant potentials using maximalelectroshock test (MEST) in chicks and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure test in mice while theeffect of the compounds on motor coordination was investigated using beam walking assay. Thecompounds did not completely protect the mice against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure, butincreased the mean onset of myoclonic jerks and spasms in the animals. Quercetin (1) significantly (p< 0.05) increased the mean onset of spasm in the unprotected animals. The compounds alsodifferentially protected the mice against mortality. Conversely, the compounds did not protect thechick against the MEST. Similarly, they did not significantly reduce the recovery time. In the beamwalking assay, the increase in the number of foot slips observed in the study may be associated withthe interaction of quercetin (1) and (+)-catechin (4) with the GABA system to produce clinicalsedation. The findings of the present study suggest that the isolated compounds possess some mildanticonvulsant potential and may be beneficial in the management of petit mal epilepsy.