Hydroalcoholic extract of Sargassum Oligocystum attenuates pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures by potentiating antioxidant activity in mice

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Sargassum oligocystum extract on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure and the contribution of antioxidant capacity of this alga to its antiepileptic effect. Methods A dose of 100 mg/kg PTZ was used to induce the seizure in the male albino mice. Extract of Sargassum oligocystum in four doses (100, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg) and the vehicle were used 30 min before the injection of PTZ (n = 8). The onsets of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures, as well as the latency of death of animals, were recorded and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and catalase level were measured. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Sargassum oligocystum extract at the doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg significantly increased the latency of clonic and tonic-clonic seizures. Also, at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly increased the TAC. Moreover, Sargassum oligocystum at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the SOD activity and at the doses of 400 and 600 mg/kg increased the catalase level in neural cells compared with the vehicle-treated group. Conclusion Sargassum oligocystum extract inhibited PTZ-induced seizure. Attenuation of oxidative stress may partly be responsible for the anticonvulsant effects of this alga in the PTZ-induced seizures. Therefore, marine algae, especially Sargassum oligocystum, may be a valuable target to discover new antiepileptic drugs