Evaluation of Effects of Ethanolic Extract from Platonia insignis Mart. on Pilocarpine-induced Seizures

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the Central Nervous System (CNS) antioxidant and anticonvulsant activities of Ethanolic Extract (EE) from P. insignis in animal models. The EE from P. insignis (10 mg kg super(-1)) was tested by intraperitoneal (i.p.) to evaluate effects on lipid peroxidation level, nitrite formation, as well as on locomotor activity by the open-field test and anticonvulsant activity against acute pilocarpine-induced seizures. Wistar rats were treated with, 0.9% saline (i.p., control group), EE (10 mg kg super(-1), i.p., EE group), pilocarpine (400 mg kg super(-1), i.p., P400 group), or the combination of EE (10 mg kg super(-1), i.p.) and pilocarpine (400 mg kg super(-1), i.p.). After the treatments all groups were observed for 24 h. The lipid peroxidation and nitrite concentrations were measured using spectrophotometric methods. In P400 group rats there was a significant decrease in the motor activity when compared with control group. In EE and pilocarpine co-administered rats was observed a significant increase in motor activity when compared with P400 group, up to 24 h after the administration. In P400 group rats there was a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels. In EE and pilocarpine co-administered rats, antioxidant treatment significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level and nitrite content after seizures. Present findings strongly support the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurs in striatum during pilocarpine-induced seizures, indicate that brain damage induced by the oxidative process plays a crucial role in seizures pathogenic consequences, and imply that strong protective effect on SNC could be achieved using EE from P. insignis.