Anti-convulsant activity of Hilteet [Asafoetida] an experimental study

ABSTRACT

Hilteet [Asafoetida], an oleo-gum-resin, reported to be anti-convulsant and useful in various types of convulsions, was evaluated for anti-convulsant activity at various doses, in experimental animal model. A potent seizure-inducing model Metrazol test was followed to study the seizure-inhibiting activity of the test drug. The well-known anti-epileptic drug phenobarbitone was used as the standard drug for comparison. LD[50] and autopsy were also carried out to determine the margin of safety and gross changes in vital organs. The test drug showed significant dose dependent anti-convulsant activity without sedative effect as observed in phenobarbitone [Standard] group. The therapeutic index was computed and found to be very large indicating the safety margin of the test drug. Except visceral congestion, no significant histopathological changes were seen in autopsy