The Effect of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Mangifera Indica Stem Bark and Leaf on Seizure Latency and Seizure Duration in Electroconvulsive Therapy-Induced Seizures in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an effective intervention for severe psychiatric disorders but is associated with adverse seizure effectss. Natural products with neuroprotective properties, such as Mangifera indica, may offer safer adjunctive benefits. M. indica is rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuromodulatory properties. Their role in modulating seizure latency and duration in ECT-induced seizures remains underexplored. Male Wistar rats (n = 6/group) were assigned to: Control, ECT only, ECT + diazepam (5 mg/kg), ECT + stem bark extract (MSBE; 300 or 600 mg/kg), or ECT + leaf extract (MLE; 300 or 600 mg/kg). Extracts were administered orally for four weeks. Seizure latency and duration were recorded weekly following ECT induction. ECT-only rats showed reduced seizure latency (week 4: 1.90 ± 0.65 s) and prolonged duration (35.00 ± 0.74 s). Diazepam significantly increased latency (4.40 ± 1.29 s) and reduced duration (16.20 ± 0.70 s). Both MSBE and MLE significantly improved latency (5.60 ± 0.55 s to 6.30 ± 0.57 s) and reduced duration (16.60 ± 0.48 s to 19.60 ± 0.37 s; p < 0.05 vs. ECT only), with MSBE 600 mg/kg producing the most pronounced effects. M. indica extracts demonstrated significant anticonvulsant activity in ECT-induced seizures, with efficacy comparable to diazepam. The effects may be linked to modulation of neuronal excitability and oxidative stress pathways. These findings suggest that M. indica stem bark and leaf extracts possess significant anticonvulsant potential in ECT-induced seizures, likely mediated by modulation of neuronal excitability.