Effect of Matricaria chamomilla Hydro-alcoholic Extract on PTZ-induced Seizure in Male Mice

Regarding to chronic nature of epilepsy، side effects and resistance to chemical drugs، herbal medicine have received remarkable interest. Matricaria chamomilla is a medicinal plant that has been used as tranquilizer and anticonvulsant in traditional medicine. To determine the anticonvulsant effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla on PTZ-induced seizure in male rats. This experimental study was carried out on 48 NMRI albino male rats weighing 20-25g. They were divided randomly into six groups. All groups were injected intraperitoneally. The negative and positive control groups received saline (10 ml/1000g) and Phenobarbital (40 mg/kg)، respectively. The four test groups received 500، 600، 800 and 1000 mg/kg of extract. In order to provoke convulsion، pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was injected (80 mg/kg) to all groups after 45 minutes and initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures and mortality within 24 h were measured. The results indicated that positive control group animals، which received Phenobarbital، were with no seizure and death. Different doses of extract delayed the initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures، in comparison with control group (saline). The delay was significant at 600 mg/kg (P< 0. 05) and 800 and 1000 mg/kg (P< 0. 001). Also، the extract decreased the 24 h death. This was significant at 800 and 1000 mg/kg (P<0. 01) and 600 mg/kg (P< 0. 05). The present study showed that hydro-alcoholic extract of Matricaria chamomilla has inhibitive effect on PTZ-induced seizure in male rats. Conflict of interest: non declared