Experimental Evaluation of Antiepileptic Activity of Amalakyadi Ghrita

Amalakyadi Ghrita (AG) a ghee based formulation is recommended for the treatment of Apasmar (Epilepsy) in Ayurved. Present study has been designed to prepare standard Amalakyadi Ghrita and evaluate it's antiepileptic activity using animal models namely Maximal Electricshock Seizures (MES) and Pentelenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure. It has been prepared, standardised using analytical tests and subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis. Control drug, i.e. Cow ghee 5gm/kg, Standard drug, i.e. Phenytoin 25mg/kg and AG at three dose levels 2.5gm/kg, 5gm/kg and 10gm/kg. were administered orally in all the models. Mean values and standard error of mean was determined for all models and data was analyzed by one‑way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's test. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of AG showed presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins and flavonoids. AG at medium and higher dose exhibited significant antiepileptic activity in MES model by decreasing the duration of tonic extensor phase (p<0.001). In PTZ model, AG at higher dose, significantly delayed the onset of convulsions (p<0.05). AG has shown significant anticonvulsant activity in both the study models. The presence of different phyto constituents in the formulation may singularly or in combination be responsible for this activity.