Anti-Convulsant Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa: Plausible Role of Calcium Channel Antagonism
2011

Anti-Convulsant Activity of Boerhaavia diffusa

Sample size: 72 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mandeep Kaur, Rajesh Kumar Goel

Primary Institution: Punjabi University, Patiala, India

Hypothesis

The roots of Boerhaavia diffusa may possess anti-convulsant activity due to calcium channel antagonistic effect of liriodendrin.

Conclusion

The methanolic extract of Boerhaavia diffusa roots has anti-convulsant activity, primarily due to the presence of liriodendrin.

Supporting Evidence

  • The crude methanolic extract of B. diffusa showed dose-dependent protection against PTZ-induced convulsions.
  • The liriodendrin-rich fraction provided significant protection against seizures induced by BAY k-8644.
  • Only the liriodendrin-rich fraction retained anti-convulsant activity, confirming its role in the observed effects.

Takeaway

This study found that a plant called Boerhaavia diffusa can help stop seizures, and it works because of a special ingredient in it called liriodendrin.

Methodology

The study involved extracting different fractions from Boerhaavia diffusa roots and testing their anti-convulsant effects in mice using pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures.

Limitations

The study did not explore the long-term effects of the extracts or their safety in humans.

Participant Demographics

Male Swiss albino mice, weighing 25–35 g.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/ecam/nep192

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