ANTICONVULSANT EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CROCUS SATIVUS L. STIGMAS IN MICE

Background-Crocus sativus L. stigma (CSS) has sedative properties and is used in traditional medicine for its anticonvulsant property. Objective-We studied the anticonvulsant activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of CSS in mice in order to evaluate the traditional use of this plant. Methods-The pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) tests were used for assessing the anticonvulsive effects of this plant. Results-In the PTZ test, CSS delayed the onset of tonic convulsions, but failed to produce complete protection against mortality. In the MES test, both extracts decreased the duration of tonic seizures. Conclusion-The results of this study indicate that the extracts of CSS may be beneficial in both absence and tonic clonic seizures.