Insignificant anticonvulsant activity of Padina tetrastromatica (Brown macroalgae) in mice

Abstract

Introduction: Marine macroalgae or seaweeds are found in the coastal region have
created a promising significance in the biomedical area, mainly because of their contents
of bioactive substances. The objective of the present study was to investigate the
anticonvulsant activity of chloroform and ethanol extracts of Padina tetrastromatica (PT),
a marine macroalgae (brown algae) in mice. Materials and Methods: The anticonvulsant
activity of chloroform and ethanol extracts of PT was studied at 400 and 600 mg/kg,
against maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsion
in mice. The duration of tonic hind limb extension (THLE), latency to onset of clonic
convulsions and percent protection was noted in MES and PTZ tests, respectively.
Phenytoin (25 mg/kg) and phenobarbitone (20 mg/kg) served as reference standards.
Results: The chloroform extract of PT at 600 mg/kg significantly decreased the
duration of THLE, while ethanol extract did not alter the duration of THLE in MES
model. Further, chloroform and ethanol extracts of PT was found to be ineffective as an
anticonvulsant when assessed by PTZ‑induced convulsive model, as compared to their
respective vehicle‑treated groups. Conclusion: From the results of the present study it
can be concluded that the chloroform extract of PT at 600 mg/kg showed significant
anticonvulsant activity, while other extracts lack anticonvulsant activity in MES and
PTZ model. However, further studies are required using different animal models to
support these findings.