Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 14155-6453 Tehran, Iran
2
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 14155-6453, Tehran, Iran
3
Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Biopsychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
4
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, 14155-6453 Tehran, Iran,
10.22092/ari.2025.370118.3750
Abstract
Catamenial epilepsy, a subtype of seizure disorder influenced by hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, remains a therapeutic challenge, particularly in women with fluctuating seizure thresholds. Heracleum persicum (Persian Hogweed), a traditional medicinal plant, has demonstrated anticonvulsant properties, but its efficacy under varying hormonal states has not been systematically evaluated. This study assessed the anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of H. persicum seeds on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures in adult female rats across distinct stages of the estrous cycle. Ninety-six rats were synchronized to the estrous cycle and grouped by phase: proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. Each group included one control (saline) and three treatment subgroups receiving H. persicum extract intraperitoneally (IP) at doses of 150, 300, or 600 mg/kg. Fifteen minutes post-treatment, seizures were induced by PTZ injection (80 mg/kg, IP), and initiation time of myoclonic seizures (ITMS), initiation time of tonic–clonic seizures (ITTS), seizures duration and mortality rate were recorded over a 30-minute observation window. Findings showed that extract significantly delayed ITMS and ITTS in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), with effects observed consistently across all estrous phases. Notably, the treatment abolished estrous-phase-dependent variability in seizure thresholds observed in control animals. Seizure durations and mortality rates were also significantly reduced at all doses (P<0.05). These findings strongly suggest that H. persicum extract exhibits short-term, hormone-independent anticonvulsant activity, highlighting its potential as an adjunct therapy for catamenial epilepsy. Further investigation into its active constituents and long-term safety profile is warranted to better understand its clinical applicability and mechanisms in hormone-influenced seizure disorders.
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