Anticonvulsant effects of squill oxymel (a traditional formulation) in mice

Introduction: This study evaluated the anticonvulsant activity of the add-on Drimia maritima (squill) oxymel, used traditionally in the treatment of convulsion, in animal model. Methods: Albino mice pretreated with squill oxymel in different doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400mg/kg by oral gavage, 15min prior to injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Animals pretreated with flumazenil to determine the mechanism of anticonvulsant action. The total flavonoid content of squill oxymel was also determined. Results: Squill oxymel prolonged the onset of seizures and decreased the duration of seizures compared to control group. Diazepam used as a reference drug for its anticonvulsive effects, showed complete inhibition of seizure. This study revealed that squill oxymel has significant anticonvulsant effect in PTZ-induced seizures in mice and these effects may be related to its effect on benzodiazepines’ receptors on GABA complex. Conclusion: These results confirmed the traditional use of squill oxymel in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of epilepsy. The clarification of mechanisms involved needs further studies.