Evaluation of anticonvulsant and neuropharmacological activity of ethanolic extract of tridax procumbens flowers in experimental animal models

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and uncontrolled seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity in the brain. Despite the availability of several antiepileptic drugs, many patients continue to experience inadequate seizure control and adverse effects, necessitating the search for safer and more effective therapeutic agents from natural sources. The present study was designed to evaluate the anticonvulsant and neuropharmacological activity of the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens flowers in experimental animal models. The flowers of Tridax procumbens were collected, shade dried, powdered, and subjected to ethanolic extraction using a Soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Acute toxicity studies were conducted according to standard guidelines to determine the safe dose range. The anticonvulsant activity was evaluated using maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure models in experimental animals. Neuropharmacological activities such as locomotor activity, muscle coordination, and sedative effects were assessed using actophotometer, rotarod, and behavioral models respectively. The ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens flowers exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity by reducing the duration and severity of seizures in both MES and PTZ models when compared with the control group. The extract also demonstrated notable neuropharmacological effects including CNS depressant activity, reduced locomotor activity, and mild muscle relaxant properties. The observed pharmacological actions may be attributed to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are known to possess neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties. The findings of the present study suggest that the ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens flowers possesses promising anticonvulsant and neuropharmacological activities and may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the management of epilepsy and related neurological disorders. Further studies are required to isolate the active constituents and elucidate their exact mechanism of action.