The effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss hydroalcoholic extract and fractions in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling in mice

Abstract

<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>At present, there are many antiepileptic drugs with a wide range of side effects on the human body. It was assumed that <em>Zataria multiflora Boiss</em> (<em>Z. multiflora</em>) with sedative, anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory activity may be effective in the treatment of epilepsy. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the effect of <em>Z. multiflora</em> hydroalcoholic extract and its fraction extracts on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling. <br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> In this experimental study, eight separate groups of male albino mice were used. All groups received 11 separate intraperitoneal injections of PTZ (35 mg/kg) with two-day intervals. 30 min before the injection of PTZ, mice received vehicle, <em>Z. multiflora</em> hydroalcoholic extract (300 and 600 mg/kg), n-hexane, acetone, methanol fraction extracts (150 mg/kg), or diazepam (10 mg/kg). <br /><br /><strong>Results: </strong>The kindled mice that were pretreated with vehicle showed a gradual increase in their seizure scores up to the end of the study. The hydroalcoholic extract of <em>Z. multiflora</em> (300 and 600 mg/kg) reduced seizure scores significantly. However, n-hexane, acetone and methanol extracts did not affect seizure scores significantly. <br /><br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The present findings demonstrate that the hydroalcoholic extract of <em>Z. multiflora</em> did reduce the severity of seizure attacks in PTZ-induced chemical kindling in mice.