Evaluation of the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Artemisia persica on seizure, depression and anxiety induced by Pentylenetetrazol in male mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Artemisia persica (AP) extract on seizure and behavioral problems induced by PTZ in male rats. 70 male mice were randomly divided into the seven groups including control (normal saline), model (PTZ at a dose of 35 mg/kg with 48h intervals and at 60 mg/kg on the 10th day), intervention groups (PTZ with 48h intervals and extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg daily) and flumazenil and diazepam groups (PTZ, extract at 400 mg/kg and flumazenil or diazepam on the 10th day). Tail suspension test (TST), rotarod, elevated plus maze (EPM) and open -filed were used to evaluate behavioral disorders. Treatment of PTZ-kindled mice with Artemisia persica extract and diazepam caused a significant increase in a seizure onset time (P<0.05). A significant reduction in the center square entrance in the open-field test and a significant increase in the duration of immobility time in the TST were observed in the PTZ-kindled mice (P <0.05). Treatment with different doses of Artemisia persicaextract resulted in minor and non-significant improvement of these parameters. PTZ also increased the number of entries and the time elapsed in the closed arm and reduced the number of entries and the time elapsed in the open arm of the EPM. The Artemisia persicaextract caused a minor and non-significant improvement. Different doses of Artemisia persica extract showed no significant effect against seizure, depression, and anxiety caused by PTZ in mice. It is suggested that future studies focus on plant compounds.​