Anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities of crude flavonoid extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. against convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole in chicks

Abstract

In the current study, crude flavonoid extract ofMatricaria chamomilla L. (MC) was used to evaluate anticonvulsant, and antioxidant activities on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsion in chicks. The biochemical estimation was done by measuring brain tissue neurotransmitters (gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA and glutamate), oxidative stress biomarkers in serum (catalase CAT, glutathione reductase GR, malondialdehyde MDA, and 8-isoprostane), serum electrolytes (potassium Ka+, sodium Na+, chloride Cl-, ionized calcium iCa2+, total calcium TCa2+), pH of serum, and glucose level in serum. Seventy-two broiler chicks (2 weeks old) were randomly divided into six groups (n=12): The first group (negative control) received the normal saline subcutaneous injection, the second group (positive control) received PTZ 90 mg/kg subcutaneous injection, and the third group treated with sodium valproate (SV) 200mg/kg orally. The fourth, fifth and sixth groups treated with 20, 40, 80 mg/kg of crude flavonoid extract of MC respectively orally for six days before PTZ injection. Thirty minutes post-treatment of the last dose, the chicks in the (third to sixth) groups received PTZ. The results showed that the crude flavonoid extract of MC attenuated the convulsion signs and mortality dose-dependently. The pretreated crude flavonoid extract at the dose of 80mg/kg showed a significant increase in the serum level of Na+ and iCa2+, and a decrease in 8-isoprostane. In conclusion: the crude flavonoid extract of MC 80mg/kg possesses mild to moderate anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects.