[ effect of intraperitoneally injection of matricaria chamomilla ethanolic extract on seizure]

Matricaria chamomilla [MC] has a series of flavonoid compounds with benzodiazepine-like properties. So it may be effective in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. We evaluate the effect of intraperitoneally injection of hydroalcoholic chamomilla extract on seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in male rats. In this study, 56 male rats [200 - 250 g] were divided into to seven groups [n = 8]: 1 - control [saline] 2 - MC 50 mg/kg, 3 - MC 100 mg/kg, 4 - MC 200 mg/kg, 5 - MC 500 mg/kg, 6 - Diazepam [0.2 mg/kg], 7 - Flumazenil [0.5 mg/kg] + MC 200. All groups received PTZ [65 mg/kg/ip] 30 minutes after material injection and the animal's convulsive behavior were recorded. The data were analyzed statistically by SPSS software with using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. The administration of hydroalcoholic extracts of chamomile, delayed onset of tonic seizures in the animal's anterior limb and body at all used dosages. This effect was significant at doses of 200 and 500 mg/kg, in compare with control group. Also the extract of chamomile reduced the total duration of seizure and the duration of tonic -colonic seizures dose - dependently, that were significant at 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of dosage. Intra-peritoneal administration of chamomile hydroalcoholic extract can effectively reduce seizures that induced by PTZ in rats. Here by, it is recommended to identify its effective components by conducting complementary research

[ prenatal consumption of aqueous extract of glycyrrhiza glabra, improves memory retrieval in mice]

Glycyrrhiza glabra contain antioxidant and phytoestrogens with cell protective properties. So its consumption during pregnancy may be effective on the mental features of who birthed. We evaluated the effect of glycyrrhiza glabra consumption during pregnancy on memory retrieval of the second generated mice. We used 15 females and 6 male mice [NMRI] with 20-30 gr weight. Pregnancy confirmed after coupling with vaginal plaque formation. Then the mice were singly caged and randomly assigned to 3 equal groups: Control, sham [solvent gavage] and treatment group [aqueous extract of glycyrrhiza root with 150 mg oral daily treatment from 3 until 19 day of gestation]. Two mounts after birthing, the offspring's were randomly assigned to 2 male and female groups and introduced to the memory retrieval test with using the shuttle box. The data were analyzed statistically by using ANOVA and Tukey test by using SPSS software. The delay time for entering on the dark room were increased in male mice that exposed to extracts of glycyrrhiza during pregnancy in comparison to control group and it was significant in the period 1 and 2 weeks after training [p <0.05]. The latency for entering on the dark chamber was increased on the female animals that exposed with extract during pregnancy in comparison of the control group. This difference was significant in periods of 24 hours and 2 weeks after training [p<0.01, p<0.05]. The prenatal consumptions of aqueous extract of the glycyrrhiza can increase memory retrieval of both sexes

[ effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. leaves extract on pain of male rats]

For long time medical scientists have speculated about alleviation of pain so that they have attempted to prescribe a potent analgesic with the least side effects. There are some records in Iranian traditional medicine showing that Elaeagnus angustifolia L. decreases inflammation and pain. Therefore, in this study the analgesic effect of the aqueous extracts of E. angustifolia leaves was evaluated on male rats. The analgesic effect of the extract was studied using formalin test on 35 male rats. Decoction extracts of the leaves with 25, 50, 100 [mg/kgw/ip] concentration were prepared and used. The reaction of the extracts against pain were assessed in comparison to a routine non-steroid anti-inflammatory and pain drug [Diclofenac 5 mg/kgw/hp]. The extract had a significant and dose-dependent analgesic effect on both pain phases that were induced by formalin and it was more potent than the effect of Diclofenac. The extract of E. angustifolia leaves has the optimal reaction against pain and this effect is produced peripherally and centrally. The E. angustifolia leaves contain flavonoids and terpenoids and the analgesic effect of extract is probably from the anti-inflammatory reactions of these materials

[Effects of opiate receptor agonists and antagonists on spontaneous seizure activity in hippocampal slices]

Opiates have complex effects on seizure activity. They have both anti-and proconvulsive effects depend on their concentration. Low doses of morphine have anticonvulsant effects, while high doses have proconvulsant effects. Sudden morphine withdrawal results in shortterm proconvulsant effects. In the present, the effects of opioid receptors agonists and antagonists on spontaneous seizure activity in epileptogenic hippocampal slices were evaluated. Hippocampal slices [400 micro m] were prepared from young Wistar rats [P15-25]. Seizure activity was induced by continuous perfusion of the slices with low-Mg2+ ACSF. Extra cellular recordings were performed in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell layer. Seizure activity was quantified by measuring the amplitude and duration of the ictal events as well as their number after and prior to the application of the agonists and antagonists of the opioid receptors. In addition, the numbers of interictal spikes were determined to complement the analysis of seizure discharges before and after drug application. Our results show that DAMGO and Dyn-A [10 micro M], as micro and kappa-opioid receptor agonist respectively, cause a significant increase in the incidence and amplitude and duration of ictal activity and these effects were completely reversed following the appilcation of B-FNA and nor-BNI [10 micro M] as micro and kappa opioid receptor antagonist respectively. DPDPE [10 micro M], a selective delta-opioid receptor agonist, caused a significant decrease in the incidence and duration of ictal activity and these effects were completely reversed by the addition of NTI [10 micro M], a selective delta opioid receptor antagonist. Our finding showed that epileptic effects of morphine probably are established by activation of micro and kappa opioid receptors and due to the activation of delta opioid receptor, morphine produces antiepileptic effects