The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(2):96-103 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14204

Research Article

Further studies on the anticonvulsant potential of extracts from Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn in a rat model of convulsion

Anthony Sarfo¹ , Kwabena Oteng-Boahen¹ , Peace Doe¹ , Bright Selorm Addy¹ , Akua Frema Barfour² , Miriam Tagoe² , Wonder Kofi Mensah Abotsi³

Anthony Sarfo,Kwabena Oteng-Boahen,Peace Doe,Bright Selorm Addy,Akua Frema Barfour,Miriam Tagoe,Wonder Kofi Mensah Abotsi

1. Pharmacology Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Central University, Accra, Ghana
2. Pharmacognosy Unit, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Central University, Accra, Ghana
3. Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 27th January, 2025 / Accepted: 31st March, 2025 / Published : 15th May, 2025

Abstract

Background: The leaf and stem extracts of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. (Malvaceae) has been documented traditionally for the management of convulsions. However, only the anticonvulsant effect of the ethanolic leaf extract has been studied. Aim and Objectives: This current study was to investigate the anticonvulsant properties of extracts from various parts of C. pentandra to justify their folkloric use and also to ascertain the most potent extract for further study. Materials and Methods: The aqueous leaf extract (CPALE), aqueous stem extract (CPASE), ethanolic leaf extract (CPELE) and ethanolic stem extract (CPESE) of C. pentandra were evaluated in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsion test in rats. Also, a combination of CPASE and carbamazepine (CZP) was investigated for any potential pharmacologic interactions (synergy, additivity or antagonism). Results: The various extracts (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) demonstrated varying degrees of anticonvulsant effects by significantly delaying the onset and reducing the frequency and duration of PTZ-induced convulsions in a dose-dependent manner. CPESE and CPASE were the most active of the four extracts while CPELE was the least. Again, isobolographic analysis of combination of the CPASE and carbamazepine demonstrated synergistic activity in reducing the frequency of convulsions. Conclusion: The present findings justify the folkloric use of C. pentandra and the ethanolic and aqueous stem extracts possess the most active anticonvulsant properties.