Anticonvulsant Effect of Cyperus rotundus Linn Rhizomes in Rats

Objective: To evaluate the anticonvulsant effect of Cyperus rotundus Linn rhizomes against maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced tonic seizers in albino rats. Materials and methods: Ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus Linn rhizomes were obtained by continuous hot soxhlet extraction. The extract was assessed for anticonvulsant activity by measuring (sec) the duration of tonic flexion, tonic extensor, clonus, stupor and recovery phase in rats. Results: Phytochemical investigation of ethanol extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, vitamins and carbohydrates. The ethanol extract (100 mg / kg, p.o.) reduced hind limb extension and duration of convulsion significantly, (P < 0.001) which was comparable to standard drug phenytoin (25 mg / kg, i.p.) and diazepam (4 mg /kg, i.p.) respectively. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes is worthwhile to develop the potent phytoconstituent for treatment of epilepsy and the flavonoids present in ethanol extract could be attributed for anticonvulsant activity.