Abstract
The present study investigated the anticonvulsant activity of different root extracts of Calotropis procera R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) in rats in order to evaluate the traditional use of this plant. The anticonvulsant activity of different extracts of Calotropis procera roots was studied against seizures induced by maximal electroshock seizures (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling seizures. In the MES test, the chloroform extract of Calotropis procera roots showed the most significant (p < 0.01) anticonvulsant effect by decreasing the duration of hind limb extension (extensor phase), clonus and also the duration of stupor phase, as compared to control. In the PTZ test, the chloroform extract showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) effect, whereas the aqueous extract showed the most significant (p < 0.01) effect as compared to control by delaying the onset of convulsions. The extracts also inhibited convulsions induced by lithium-pilocarpine and electrical kindling. The results of this study indicate that the chloroform extract and aqueous extract of Calotropis procera roots may be beneficial in the absence (petitmal) and tonic-clonic (grand mal) type of seizures.