Non-Sedating Anti-Convulsant Activity Of Piper Guineense In Mice

Abstract

The activity of aqueous extract of Piper guineense was tested against bicuculline induced seizure in albino mice. Intraperitoneal (ip) administration of 6mg/kg and 7.5mg/kg of bicuculline (BCCL) produced 60 and 100% convulsion and death in the treated mice. Pretreatment of mice with the extract (500 - 750mg/kg) ip delayed the onset of seizure and protected the mice against bicuculline induced seizure and death. Neither of the two doses of Piper guineense has effect on barbiturate sleeping time when given simultaneously nor cause any impairment of performance in mice on a rotarod treadmill test. The data obtained indicate that the anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous extract is dose selective and that effects other than Gaba inhibition may play a role in its anticonvulsant effect.

Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine Vol.9, No.3 (1999) pp. 231-233