E. Okpakpor

Studies and advancements in neuroscience have been sparked by the prevalence of CNS diseases. Consequently, variety of therapies, medications and treatments with the goal of improving the lives of those affected have been created with an emphasis on herbal medicine. Major research has been done on different parts of Icacina trichantha such as the tubers, stems and leaf. It is traditionally used to treat hypertension, asthma, fever and neurological disorders. Pharmacological studies on the medicinal potential of the plant tuber, leaf and stem have been conducted, however there has been little research done on the leaves of the plant regarding CNS activity. Fresh leaves of Icacina trichantha were harvested, cleaned, dried and extracted over the course of 72 hours by cold maceration using (1:1) distilled water and methanol. Pentylenetetrazole induced seizure, Maximum electroshock induced Seizure, Rota-rod test and static- rod test was carried out in mice using graded doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg orally of the plant extract. Results from the experiment revealed that mice administered with 200 mg/kg of the plant extract was protected from pentylyenetetrazole induced seizure. While no protection in maximal electro-shock induced seizure was observed, had no effect on the animal models
used to evaluate skeletal muscle relaxation across all groups treated with the plant extract as compared to the control. This indicates that the plant possesses anti-convulsant activity but not effective on skeletal muscle relaxation.

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, and lack of motivation. Antidepressant drugs are not rare to find and they are not addictive however, some people may experience discontinuation (withdrawal-like) symptoms if they stop taking antidepressants suddenly especially SSRIs and SNRIs emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv. It is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of depression. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the
antidepressant potential of I. trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using a 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For antidepressant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group 5 received 25 mg/kg imipramine for both FST and TST. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant increase at 400 mg/kg when compared to control (P < 0.05) for both TST and FST. This study supports its use in the treatment of
depression in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of secondary metabolites.

Pain is a complex sensory and emotional experience managed with analgesics. These drugswhich has adverse effects and addiction potential have driven the search for safer alternatives from medicinal plants. Icacina trichantha oliv. is a plant used in West African for managing pain and inflammation. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the antinociceptive potential of the hydro-methanol leaf extract of Icacina trichantha in mice. Fresh leaves of I. trichantha was obtained, air-dried, pulverized and extracted using 1:1 methanol and deionized water to obtain H-MLE and then concentrated to dryness in an oven at 40°C. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard methods. The antinociceptive experiment was conducted using two murine models: the hot water immersion test for and acetic acid-induced writhing test. Swiss albino mice “25” were divided into five groups of n = 5. Group I was administered deionized water, group II–IV was administered the extract at graded doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, and group V, morphine (2mg/kg) for hot water immersion and aspirin, 100 mg/kg for the acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical
screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenolics, alkaloids and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant result (P<0.001) in the acetic acid-induced writhing test, but had no significant result (P>0.05) in the hot water
immersion test. This study supports its use in alleviating pain and inflammation in traditional medicine which could be due to the presence of its secondary metabolites

Epilepsy, a brain disorder associated with recurrent seizure. Although, epileptic drugs exist, about 30% of patient have drug-resistants or experience adverse effects, emphasizing the need for safer alternatives. Icacina trichantha Oliv.is a medicinal plant which belongs to the family Icacinaceae, used traditionally in the treatment of epilepsy. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting such claims. This study evaluates the anticonvulsant potential of I. trichantha.in mice. Fresh leaves were collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 1:1 water and methanol solvent to obtain H-MLE of I. trichantha after concentrating to dryness. Phytochemical screening was carried out using Sofowara 1993 and Harborne 1973. For anticonvulsant activity, 25 mice were randomly allotted into 5 groups of n = 5 for both MES and PTZ induced seizures. Group I received 10 ml/kg deionized water, groups II – IV received
graded doses of the plant extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and group 5 received 100 mg/kg phenobarbitone for MES and 5 mg/kg diazepam for PTZ and was observed for the presence of seizures. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and carbohydrates. Results obtained revealed that H-MLE had a significant P < 0.001 at 400 mg/kg in onset of seizure and P < 0.0001 at 400 mg/kg in duration of seizure in the PTZ induced seizure. However, there was no significant result P > 0.05 in the MES. This study supports its use in the treatment of epilepsy in traditional medicine which could be due to presence of secondary metabolites.