Synthesis of Novel 4-substituted Arylsemicarbazones of Menthone and Evaluation of its Anticonvulsant Activity

A series of 4-N-arylsubstituted semicarbazones of menthone was designed and synthesized to meet the structural requirements essential for anticonvulsant activity. All the compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity. Anticonvulsant activity was determined after intraperitoneal (ip) administration to mice by maximal electroshock (MES) and minimal motor impairment was determined by convulsometer (Medicraft convulsometer). All the compounds were tested for anticonvulsant activity employing Maximal Electroshock method. As compared to standard phenytoin, the test compounds exhibited significant anticonvulsant activity ranging from 72.06%-184.33%. The order of potency of the test compounds was as follows 2 > 4 > 6 > 5 > 1 > 3. The effects of all these drugs were well comparable with standard drug phenytoin. However, the compound 2 was the most potent.