Abstract
BackgroundEssential oil of Pimpinella anisum L. Apiaceae (anise oil) has been widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including some neurological disorders. This study was aimed to test the possible anti-seizure and anti-hypoxia effects of anise oil.MethodsThe effects of different concentrations of anise oil were tested on seizure attacks induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) injection and neuronal hypoxia induced by oxygen withdrawal as well as on production of dark neurons and induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in in vivo and in vitro experimental models of rat brain.ResultsAnise oil significantly prolonged the latency of seizure attacks and reduced the amplitude and duration of epileptiform burst discharges induced by injection of intraperitoneal PTZ. In addition, anise oil significantly inhibited production of dark neurons in different regions of the brain in epileptic rats. Anise oil also significantly enhanced the duration of the appearance of anoxic terminal negativity induced by oxygen withdrawal and inhibited induction of LTP in hippocampal slices.ConclusionsOur data indicate the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects of anise oil, likely via inhibition of synaptic plasticity. Further evaluation of anise oil to use in the treatment of neurological disorders is suggested.
Highlights
Pimpinella anisum has been used as carminative, antiseptic, antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant and stomachic medicaments
In Persian medieval medicine, the plant and especially its fruit essential oil have been used for treatment of some neurological disease, including seizures and epilepsy [7]
Epileptiform burst discharges were observed during seizure attacks (Figure 1, A)
Summary
Apiaceae (anise oil) has been widely used in traditional Persian medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including some neurological disorders. Traditional knowledge, obtained from ancient and medieval medical literatures or from folkloric medicine, can play an important role in developing new drugs [1]. The investigation for new medicaments obtained from plants has led to the discovery of some clinically useful drugs that, during the past two centuries, have played a major role in the treatment of human diseases and contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms [2]. In Persian medieval medicine, the plant and especially its fruit essential oil have been used for treatment of some neurological disease, including seizures and epilepsy [7]. Based on Persian folk medicine, anise oil is believed to have protective effects against the development of cerebrovascular diseases [8]
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