ANTIEPILEPTIC POTENTIAL OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF ALLIUM CEPA BULBS (RED AND YELLOW VARIETY) IN ALBINO MICE

Abstract

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of methanolic extracts of red and yellow onion bulbs.

Method:  The anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extracts of red and yellow onion bulbs (200 and 400mg/kg B.W) was evaluated against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (60mg/kg B.W), strychnine (1.2 mg/kg B.W) and picrotoxin (6mg/kg B.W) in albino mice. Results:  The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids and tannins in both verities of onion bulbs.  Acute oral toxicity test indicated that LD50 of red and yellow onion bulb was more than 2000mg/kg B.W.  The methanolic extracts of both varieties at the doses of 200 and 400mg/kg B.W significantly delayed the onset of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and picrotoxin when compared with controlled groups. Conclusion: The results indicates that red and yellow onion, possess anticonvulsant potential since they significantly delayed the onset of seizures against pentylenetetrazole, strychnine and picrotoxin.