Anticonvulsant Action ofWithania somnifera (Aswaganda) Root Extract against Pentylenetetrazol-induced Kindling in Mice

Abstract

Repeated administration of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 30 mg/kg, thrice a week for 9 weeks) produced chemical kindling when mice were challenged with a subconvulsive dose of the convulsant. These animals were also found to be susceptible to seizures after a subconvulsant dose of a beta-carboline, (FG 7142, 20 mg/kg). Withania somnifera root extract (100 mg/kg) offered a significant protection against PTZ-induced chemical kindling, and the effect was comparable to diazepam (1 mg/kg). The protective effect of W. womnifera appears to involve GABAergic mediation.