Anticonvulsant and Neurotoxicity Profile of Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C. Chr.

Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C. Chr. (Unani name: Habb-e-balsan) Fam. Burseraceae has been used in Unani system of medicine for long time to treat various brain disorders especially epilepsy [1]. In this study, ethanolic extract obtained from Commiphora a gileadensis fruit (CGEE) was evaluated for its anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity. The extract in the dose range125 to 500mg/kg (p.o.) was screened for anticonvulsant activity using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, 70mg/kg, i.p.). Increased current electroshock (ICES) models, while rotarod test was employed for neurotoxicity in Swiss Albino mice. The CGEE increased the latency for myoclonic jerks and generalized clonic seizures against PTZ at highly significant level (p<0.001) in a dose dependent manner at a maximum dose of 500mg/kg. The results demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.001) in the ICES seizure threshold current in a dose-dependent manner with 100% protection against mortality. CGEE had no effect on motor activity till dose of 1000mg/kg at all time intervals used; however, higher doses (2000mg/kg) evoked motor impairment at all time intervals on rotarod. Acute toxicity study for the CGEE was also performed and LD₅₀ was determined as 3400mg/kg. The ethanolic extract of Commiphora gileadensis complies with the traditional claim and possesses significant anticonvulsant activity. References: [1] Al-Howiriny T, Al-Sohaibani M, et al. (2005) Journal of Ethnopharmacol 98: 287–294.