The Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effect of Stachys lavandulifolia in the Experimental Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Rat Model of Acute Seizure

Objective: In traditional medicine, Stachys lavandulifolia or mountain tea has been used in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. A leaf extract from this plant is also thought to be effective in treating epilepsy as well as other neurological ailments. To assess the effect of S. lavandulifolia extract (SLE), rats were exposed to a stress and anxiety model caused by seizures. Materials and Methods: A challenge dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (60 mg/kg) was used to induce seizures in male Wistar rats (200–250 g). Animal treated with an intraperitoneal injection of either SLE (50 mg/kg) or sodium valproate (100 mg/kg) alone or in combination 30 min before PTZ challenge. The effect of stress and anxiety was assessed using an open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and elevated plus maze (EPM). At the end of the experiment, anesthesia was used to euthanize rats, and their blood serum was collected for measurements of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and GSH peroxidase (GPx). Results: In contrast to the control group, those treated with PTZ exhibited depressive behavior. At 50 mg/kg, SLE provided protection against seizures induced by PTZ. SLE also reduced seizure-induced stress and anxiety, significantly improving FST, EPM, and OFT compared with the PTZ-treated group. By decreasing MDA levels and restoring the antioxidant enzymes GSH and GPx, SLE treatment protects against seizure-induced anxiety and stress. Conclusions: SLE inhibits oxidative stress damage and seizure-induced stress by inhibiting seizures' inhibitory effects.