Neuroprotective effects of the fractions of Ocimum basilicum in seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice

Objective: Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were investigated. Materials and Methods: Mice were divided as follows: (Group ۱) Control, (Group ۲) PTZ, (Groups ۳-۵) ۵۰,۱۰۰ and ۲۰۰ mg/kg hydro-ethanolic (HE) extract, and (Groups ۶-۸) ۲۰۰ mg/kg ethyl-acetate (EAF), N-hexane (NHF) and water (WF) fractions. Minimal clonic seizures (MCS) and generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) latencies were measured. Biochemical and histological studies were done.Results: MCS and GTCS latency in HE groups were longer than the PTZ group (p<۰.۰۵ to p<۰.۰۰۱). EAF and NHF prolonged the onset of MCS and GTCS (p<۰.۰۰۱). PTZ increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and dark neuron (DN) production while decreased thiol, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<۰.۰۵ to p<۰.۰۰۱).  Pre-treatment by HE and all fractions of the plant attenuated MDA and DN while increased thiol, CAT and SOD (p<۰.۰۱ to p<۰.۰۰۱).Conclusion: EAF and NHF had anticonvulsant properties. The extract and fractions protected the brain from PTZ-induced oxidative damages and showed neuroprotective effects.

Keywords:

Neuroprotective , Ocimum basilicum , Oxidative stress , Pentylenetetrazole , Seizures