Bioprospecting for propitious, safe antiepileptic agents from the leaf and root extracts of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a prevalent non-communicable neurological disorder causing recurring seizures, affecting 50 million people globally. Treatments often have limited therapeutic ranges and adverse effects, making it difficult to differentiate from the underlying neurologic condition. Calotropis procera has drawn attention for its potential medicinal uses, including anticancer, anti-convulsant, and other therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, toxicity, and anti-epilepsy profile of Calotropis procera. Plant materials were pulverized and extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water to yield a series of solvent fractions while another portion was extracted with ethanol using Soxhlet apparatus, and extracts were concentrated using a rotary evaporator. C. procera extracts show potent antioxidant activity, with root extract (IC50: 0.56 mg/ml) surpassing leaf extract (IC50: 0.38 mg/ml), suggesting therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. Following OECD guidelines, a dosing regimen was established for acute toxicity testing. Calotropis procera extracts were well-tolerated in mice. Notably, a 600 mg/kg dose of ethyl acetate extract delayed seizure onset, indicating promising antiepileptic potential. The antiepileptic effect was assessed using the Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure model, a standard test for evaluating anticonvulsant activity. The ethyl acetate root extract had a sedative effect, while, n-hexane, methanol, and aqueous extracts of both leaf and root produced no observable toxic signs. The plant extracts were well tolerated orally in laboratory mice. Calotropis procera ethyl acetate extract showed promising antiepileptic potential, as a 600 mg/kg dose delayed seizure onset in mice and was well-tolerated when administered orally. The result showed a promising antiepileptic potential of the Calotropis procera extract.