J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Jul;76(2):145-50.

Anticonvulsant properties of the methanolic extract of Cyperus articulatus (Cyperaceae).

Bum EN1, Schmutz M, Meyer C, Rakotonirina A, Bopelet M, Portet C, Jeker A, Rakotonirina SV, Olpe HR, Herrling P.

• 1Département des Sciences Biologiques, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Ngaoundéré, B.P. 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon. boum@cna-assur.com

Abstract

The methanolic extract of rhizomes of Cyperus articulatus, a plant used in traditional medicine in Africa and Latin America for many diseases, possesses anticonvulsant activity in mice. This extract protected mice against maximal electroshock (MES)- and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures. It also delayed the onset of seizures induced by isonicotinic acid hydrazide and strongly antagonized N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced turning behavior. The ED(50) for protection against seizures was 306 (154-541) mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for the PTZ test and 1005 (797-1200) mg/kg i.p. for the MES test. The ED(50) of methanolic extract against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced turning behavior was 875 (623-1123) mg/kg i.p. C. articulatus L. methanolic extract protected 54% of mice from seizures induced by strychnine at the dose of 1000 mg/kg i.p. but had no or a moderate effect only against picrotoxin- or bicuculline-induced seizures. With these effects, the rhizome of C. articulatus L. possesses anticonvulsant properties in animals that might explain its use as a traditional medicine for epilepsy in Africa.

PMID:  11390127