Investigating the Anti-epileptic and Sedative Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf on Pentylenetetrazol Induced Epileptiform Seizures in Wistar Rat

• Main Authors: MB Ghayour (Author), M Behnam-Rassouli (Author), N Ghayour (Author), M Tehranipour (Author), A Kamyabi-Abkooh (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Institue of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, 2012-02-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: Since long lasting administration of anti-seizure drugs produces undesirable side effects, many efforts have been made during recent decades to find and replace the chemical drugs by medicinal plants.   Objective: The aim of present study was to study the antiepileptic (anti-seizure) effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on experimental epileptiform seizures, induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) in Wistar rat.   Methods: After normalization, rats in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 were injected (i.p) 50, 80 and 120 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis , respectively. Control animals were injected extract solvent as the same manner. After 30 minutes all rats were injected (i.p) 80 mg/kg PTZ and then examined for epileptiform behaviors for the next 60 minutes. The rate of mortality during the next 24 hour was also recorded.   Results: In comparison with control group, in all experimental groups the latent period of tonic-clonic generalized seizure was significantly (P<0.05) increased. Moreover, the mortality rate was decreased from 90% in control group to 30, 50 and 60% in experimental groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusions: I t can be concluded that hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis has potential sedative and anticonvulsant effects and probably exerts its effects through GABAergic system.

Item Description

2717-204X
2717-2058