Anti-seizure properties of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) ethanolic leaf extract in laboratory animals

Abstract Background Preparation of Ipomoea asarifolia (Desr.) (Convolvulaceae) is widely used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of different kinds of ailments such as syphilis, malaria, convulsions and rheumatism. Aim The present study examined the median lethal dose (LD50) and possible anti-seizure potentials of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract using acute seizure models. Results The intraperitoneal LD50 of Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract in mice and chicks was found to be 2,150 mg/kg. The Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract has shown significantly (p < 0.05) delayed time for the onset of seizure against pentylenetetrazole- and strychnine-induced seizures in a non-dose dependent manner both at 300 mg/kg. The extract has also shown significant (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001) delayed time for onset of seizures against 4-aminopyridine-induced seizure model in a dose-dependent manner at doses of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The extract has not shown appreciable activity against picrotoxin and maximum electroshock-induced seizure models. Conclusions The present study revealed that Ipomoea asarifolia ethanolic leaf extract possesses anti-seizure properties which supports its folkloric use for the management of convulsions.