PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ANTIEPILEPTIC ACTIVITY OF METHONNI

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, often associated with oxidative stress and neuronal damage. This study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potential of the methanolic extract of Methonni using the Maximal Electroshock Seizure (MES) model in rodents. Animals were divided into four groups: control (normal saline), standard (phenytoin 25 mg/kg), and two extract-treated groups receiving 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses orally. The extract demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in seizure duration and severity, comparable to the standard drug. Biochemical assays revealed significant enhancement of brain antioxidant status, evidenced by increased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and decreased lipid peroxidation (LPO), along with improved total protein content, indicating neuroprotection. These effects suggest that the extract mitigates oxidative stress-induced neuronal injury associated with seizures. Phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids and phenolics likely contribute to these beneficial effects. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of Methonni exhibits significant anticonvulsant and neuroprotective activities, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for epilepsy management. Keywords: Antiepileptic activity, Methanolic extract, Methonni, Seizure model