Study of the methanolic extract of Peganum seeds on convulsion induced by Strychnine in Swiss mice

Abstract

Objectives: Some kinds of epilepsy are refractory to treatment with standard antiepileptic drugs. Several plant species are used in the treatment of convulsions. In this study we attempted to extract and evaluate the protective effect Peganum harmala on convulsion induced by strychnine in mice. Method: After collection of Peganum harmala seeds and ground to obtain powder. The methanolic extract was prepared. Albino Swiss male mice were orally pretreated dose dependency (15, 30 and 45mg/kg) with Peganum harmala (Methanolic extract), for a period of 15 days, also a group of animals received phenytion (30 mg/kg i.p). After eight hours the animals were injected intraperitoneally single dose of strychnine 1.7 ?g/kg. Results: The convulsion was observed on strychnine treated animals. The convulsion was significantly decreased among those animals pretreated with phenytoin (p< 0.05). However, the protective effect of, Peganum harmala was evident at the dose of 45 mg/kg and the starting of convulsion time along with its duration were delayed in comparison to control group, the respiratory arrest time were also delayed. Increased survival rate were observed on Peganum harmala/phenytoin treated animals. Conclusion: The results obtained from the present study indicate that the Peganum harmala at the doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg were not effective against strychnine induced convulsion. However, Peganum harmala was effective at the dose of 45 mg/kg and its effect was comparable with phenytoin. It seems that the Peganum harmala seeds inhibits convulsion in mice by modulating the glycine and NMDA receptors. However, the exact mechanism Peganum harmala seeds on convulsion induced by strychnine remains elusive and needs further experimentation.