Protective Effects of Artemisia persica Essential Oil Against Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure in Male Mice with Emphasizing Its Mechanism of Action

Background: A new approach in the treatment of epilepsy is to use new drugs with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory effects. Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Artemisia persica essential oil (EO) against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure in mice. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Izeh Islamic Azad University, Iran. 70 male BALB/c mice were divided into seven groups of 10 using simple random allocation, including control (normal saline), PTZ (35 mg/kg i.p. with 48 hours intervals and then 60 mg/kg on the 10th day), interventions (PTZ plus daily i.p. injection of EO at doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg), diazepam (PTZ plus EO at a dose of 100 mg/kg + diazepam), and flumazenil (PTZ plus EO at a dose of 100 mg/kg + flumazenil) groups. Results: The treatment of PTZ-kindled mice with 50 mg/kg of EO significantly reduced the seizure onset latency (P < 0.05). EO at a dose of 100 mg/kg significantly decreased tonic seizures, head tics, and repeated spinning and jumping (P < 0.05). Diazepam improved, and flumazenil weakened the anticonvulsant effects of the EO. The treatment of PTZ-kindled mice with EO (100 mg/kg) significantly decreased nitric oxide and malondialdehyde, and increased the total antioxidant capacity in both serum and brain (P < 0.05). EO at a dose of 100 mg/kg could significantly decrease IL-1 and TNF- expression in the brain of epileptic mice (P < 0.05). Conclusions: A. persica EO shows anticonvulsant effects through benzodiazepine receptor binding activity and modulation of oxidative stress and the inflammatory process.