Protective Effect of Garlic Extract Against Pentylenetetrazole Induced Seizures

Abstract

Background and Aims: Previous studies in literature reported that compared with fresh preparations of garlic and aged garlic extract (AGE) contain high amount of antioxidants and protect against cancer, aging and many cardiovascular diseases. The present work investigates effect of AGE against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced convulsions and brain levels of Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). Methods: The least and median convulsive (CD50) doses of PTZ were determined either alone or after pretreatment with AGE. The forebrain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA have been measured in rats given PTZ, alone and after pretreatment with AGE. Results: The present study showed that AGE pretreatment elicited a dose dependent protection of rats against PTZinduced seizures. AGE in a dose of 400 mg 60 minutes prior to 60mg/kg PTZ produced 80% decrease in incidence of seizures. AGE pretreatment produced significant elevation of the median convulsive dose (CD50) of PTZ from 47 mg/kg to 55 mg/kg. Results have shown that cellular brain GABA concentrations decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in rats given 400 mg/kg AGE 60 minutes prior to 60 mg/kg PTZ compared with control and PTZ-treated groups. Conclusion: The present work suggests a potential neuroprotective effect of AGE against PTZ-induced seizures that may be explained by increasing brain levels of the major central inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.