Anticonvulsant Activity of Hydroalcoholic Phoenix dactylifera Fruit Extract and Pimpinella anisum Oil in Mice

Abstract

Epilepsy is a group of long-term neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. The present study sought to investigate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective Activity of Hydroalcoholic Phoenix dactylifera fruit extract (HAPD) and Pimpinella Anisum Oil (PAO) against Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and Maximal Electric Shock (MES) induced a seizure in mice. Mice groups were treated with HAPD1000 mg/kg, PAO 4 ml/kg. The onset of a seizure and generalized seizure were measured, followed by Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and antioxidant enzymes assessments. The potential of these substances to induce any neurological toxicity was also evaluated by using rotarod, forced swim test and horizontal screen test. The current study demonstrates that HAPD and PAO delay onset of the seizure and generalized seizure, also elevated GABA and antioxidant enzymes level and haven't any neurological toxicity. The current study suggests that hydroalcoholic Phoenix dactylifera extract and Pimpinella anisum oil have anticonvulsant, neuroprotective and antioxidant activity and can increase brain GABA level.

Fruits for Seizures? A Systematic Review on the Potential Anti-Convulsant Effects of Fruits and their Phytochemicals

“…The fruit of date palm ( Pheonix dactylifera ) is a medicinal plant native to the Middle East and North Africa. Crude extract from this fruit was found to delay the onset of both PTZ- and MES-induced convulsions, suggesting the possession of an effective anti-convulsant property [ 54 ]. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. dactylifera was also reported to exhibit significant anti-oxidant properties.…”

“…The hydroalcoholic extract of P. dactylifera was also reported to exhibit significant anti-oxidant properties. Both these properties may be elicited via the increment in GABA, SOD, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels, as well as the decrement in MDA levels [ 54 ].…”