Evaluation of the Antioxidant Capacity and Studies of the Anticonvulsant Properties of Hymenocardia acida

Abstract

The work focuses on evaluating the antioxidant capacity and studying the anticonvulsant properties of the bark of Hymencardia acida (Euphorbiaceae), which is a tropical African plant traditionally used in the Centre Region of Cameroon in the treatment of many diseases such as migraines, diarrhoea, wounds, stomach ache and influenza. The various antioxidant tests carried out have highlighted the high antioxidant content of the bark of these plants. The results of the anticonvulsant activity showed that: The decoction of Hymencardia acida antagonized the convulsions induced by 100% pentylenetetrazole at doses of 22.5, 45 and 90 mg/kg. It also protected mice from convulsions induced by pilocarpine, 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg and in the 4-aminopyridine convulsion induction test, it protected mice 100% at doses 45 and 90 mg/kg with a significant difference of (P ≤ 0.001) compared to the negative control. This study justify the use of H. acida in traditional medicine category 1, for the treatment of epilepsy in the community of the Centre Region of Cameroon.