Evaluation of the Effect of Naringenin on Pentylenetetrazole and Maximal Electroshock-Induced Convulsions in Mice

Background Naringenin is a flavonoid with several different biological effects in central nervous system. As mentioned, naringenin has neuroprotective, memory enhancing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Objectives In this study, we investigated effects of naringenin on pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Methods Naringenin was administered at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally in two models of seizure. Thirty minutes after different doses of naringenin, phenytoin or diazepam and vehicle, the animal received pentylenetetrazole or current stimulus by an electroconvulsiometer. Results In maximal electroshock model, naringenin 200 mg/kg reduced the duration of hind limb tonic extension. In pentylenetetrazole seizure model all doses of naringenin increased the latency for convulsion and latency for Straubʹs tail but only naringenin 200 mg/kg showed significant reduction in duration of myoclonic seizure. Conclusions According to the results, naringenin showed significant anticonvulsant and neuroprotection activity in two pentylenetetrazole and electroshock models of convulsion in mice and these effects may be mediated by antioxidant properties, agonist activity on GABA_A receptors and weakening of glutamate transmission.