An In-Vivo Study on Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic, and Sedative-Hypnotic Effects of the ...

Antidepressant-like activity of T. kotschyanus has been recently reported by scientists but insufficient attention has‎so far been devoted to T. kotschyanus, and there is a lack of information on the other neurobehavioral effects and‎side effects of this species. In the current study, the anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and sedative-hypnotic, effects of‎Thymus kotschyanus extract on male NMRI mice were evaluated using pentylenetetrazole, maximal electroshock,‎elevated plus maze, and pentobarbital-induced sleeping tests. Since phenolic compounds and flavonoids have main‎roles in pharmacological effects of most plant extracts, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were‎measured with Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 reagents. Acute toxicity, passive avoidance, and open field tests were‎carried out to assess the toxicity of the extract. To find out the possible mechanism of action, flumazenil as the‎specific GABAA receptor antagonist was used. Anticonvulsant and hypnotic effects of the extract were observed at‎‎400 and 600 mg/kg. The extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg revealed significant anxiolytic effects, but it did not show‎any adverse effects on learning and memory at all the tested doses. Results of this study indicate that Thymus‎kotschyanus extract has anticonvulsant‎, anxiolytic and hypnotic effects, which are likely related to the ability of‎some phenolic compounds to activateα1-containing GABAA receptors but ...

Source: Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research - May 21, 2019 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research