RESUMO
The present study aims to evaluate the anticonvulsant and antioxidant activity of the alkylated cardanol in mice, as well as the possible mechanisms involved. Albino mice were used. The pentylenetetrazol, picrotoxin, and pilocarpine were used to induce seizures clonic. The effect of selective receptor antagonist GABAA on anticonvulsant activity was investigated with flumazenil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by the formation of lipid peroxides, nitrite content, and concentration of reduced glutathione. The largest dose of alkylated cardanol increased the latency of the first seizure induced by pentylenetetrazol acting on the GABAergic receptors. The treatment did not alter body weight and did not cause death in animals. It was observed a reduction in locomotor activity and motor coordination. Treatment reduced the level of lipid peroxidation and contents of nitrite and increased levels of GSH in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Alkylated cardanol showed a protective effect against convulsions induced in mice.