Exploring the Antiepileptic Potential of Amaranthus spinosus: An Experimental Study in Albino Mice

Abstract

About 60% of the world population relies on herbal medicine, and 80% depend almost entirely on it for their primary healthcare. Many of these herbs are rich in phytochemicals, thus valuable as potential sources of drugs. Amaranthus spinosus is a vegetable and ornamental plant used in African folklore to treat several illnesses. This study aimed to investigate the antiepileptic potential of the methanol leaf extract of Amaranthus spinosus in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted using standard methods. Anticonvulsant studies were conducted using chemo-shock models (pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) - and strychnine (STR)-induced seizures) in mice. Phytochemical screening has revealed the presence of terpenoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids. Additionally, the acute toxicity studies of the extract revealed that the extract is safe in mice at 2000 mg/kg. The extract at 400 and 800 mg/kg produced a significant (p<0.05) delay in the mean onset of seizures, decreased the duration of seizures induced by PTZ in a dose-dependent manner, and protected the mice. The extract showed insignificant protection against strychnine-induced seizures in mice. This could serve as a scientific basis for further evaluation of the plant’s potential in managing epilepsy, which can lead to the discovery of an effective antiepileptic agent with fewer side effects.