Comparative estimation of anticonvulsant activity of cumarines umbelliferone, obtusifole and Haplofillum obtusifolium grass decoction

Obtusifole and umbelliferone had low toxicity after enteral administration. Even high obtusifole doses demonstrated weak anticonvulsant activity in the models of maximal electroshock (MES) and pentamethylentetrasole seizures (LD 100). These coumarines were not effective in the models of strychnine- and thiosemycarboside-induced convulsions. They revealed neurotoxical influence, reducing unconditioned reflex, normal adoptive mice behavior and did not prevent the loss of conditioned passive avoiding reflex (CPAR) after MES. These coumarines did not antagonize with synthetic anticonvulsants. The Haplophyllum obtusifolium grass decoction administered enterally was not toxic, because LD minimal might not be fixed. It had no neurotoxical properties, prevented the loss of CPAR and mortality after MES, elevated tolerance to convulsive-mortal pentamethylentetrasole and strychnine action. So this decoction demonstrated cerebroprotective properties. The use of Haplophyllum obtusifolium in traditional medicines of Asiatic states may not be explained by only coumarines. It is based on cerebroprotective properties of this medicine.

obtusifole, umbelliferone, coumarines, maximal electroshock