The effects of crude alkaloid extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. on convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazole in chicks

Abstract

The present research was designed to evaluate the protective effect of crude alkaloid extract of Matricaria chamomilla L. (MC) against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions in chicks. A total of seventy-two chicks were randomly divided into six groups each one consisting of 12 chicks. The first group was considered to be a negative group that received subcutaneous injection of normal saline, the second group (positive control) received subcutaneous injection of PTZ (90 mg/kg), and the third group received sodium valproate (200 mg/kg) orally for six days. The other groups (fourth, fifth and sixth) were treated with single intraperitoneal injection of crude alkaloids extract of MC (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) respectively. After 30 minutes of the treatment, the groups (third to sixth) received PTZ and observed the convulsion signs for the next 30 minutes. At the end of the experiment, various biochemical parameters were assessed including, brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, serum catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-isoprostane, and some electrolytes (potassium K+, sodium Na+, chloride Cl-, ionized calcium iCa2+, total calcium TCa2+), pH, and glucose levels in serum. The results indicated that the group treated with crude alkaloids extract at higher dose (80 mg/kg) showed a significant increase in CAT and significantly decreased in 8-isoprostane, and an increase in Na+ ions concentration in serum. It was concluded that pretreatment of crude alkaloids extract (80 mg/kg) of MC offers anticonvulsant activity by reducing the mortality rate induced by PTZ, as well as it plays an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress.