Objective : To study the anticonvulsant activity and neurotoxicity of
ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of the rhizome of Smilax
china (EESC and EAF, respectively) in mice. Materials and Methods :
The anticonvulsant activities of EESC and EAF were studied against
maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced
seizures in mice and neurotoxicity was determined using rotarod test.
Results : The duration of hindleg extension in MES test was reduced
significantly (P < 0.001) by EESC at a dose level of 400 mg/kg and
EAF at both higher dose levels (200 and 400 mg/kg). In PTZ model, the
seizure latency was prolonged by all the test groups. Conclusion : The
EESC and EAF may help to control petit mal and grand mal seizures
