Effect of Artemisia Persica Essential Oil on Memory Deficits, Depression and Anxiety in Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) Kindled Male Mice

Memory deficits and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are commonly seen in patients with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Iranian Artemisia essential oil on memory deficits, depression and anxiety in PTZ kindled male mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 70 male mice were randomly divided into 7 groups. In order to induce seizure, PTZ (35 mg/kg) was injected every other day for 9 day and then at a dose of 60 mg/kg on the 10th day. Control group received normal saline and treatment groups received essential oil at doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg daily. The positive control group received essential oil (100mg/kg) daily and diazepam on the 10th day. Flumazenil group received essential oil (100 mg/kg) daily and flumazenil on the 10th day. Results: Artemisia persica essential oil (50 mg/kg) significantly decreased seizure threshold in PTZ- treated mice (P<0.05). Artemisia persica essential oil at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly reduced secondary latency time in the shuttle box test (P<0.05). Different doses of Artemisia persica essential oil showed no significant effect on immobility time in the tail-suspension test. The frequency of entry into the closed arms of the elevated plus maze in group treated with 50 mg/kg of Artemisia persica essential oil was significantly lower than that in PTZ-treated group (P <0.05). Conclusion: Artemisia persica essential oil at a dose of 50 mg/kg effectively reduced seizure threshold, significantly increased theavoidance memory and decreased anxiety in mice receiving PTZ.