Protection Against Electroshock- and Pentylenetetrazol-induced Seizures by the Water Extract of Rehmannia glutinous can be Mediated through GABA Receptor-chloride Channel Complexes.
10.20307/nps.2017.23.1.40
- Author:
Mikyung KIM
1
;
Hee Jin KIM
;
Sung Mok KIM
;
June Bryan DE LA PEÑA
;
Irene Joy DELA PEÑA
;
Chrislean Jun BOTANAS
;
Taeseon WOO
;
Yong Soo LEE
;
Jong Hoon RYU
;
Jae Hoon CHEONG
Author Information
1. Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea. cheongjh@syu.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Rehmannia glutinosa;
Anticonvulsant;
Epilepsy;
GABA;
Electroshock-induced seizure;
Chemical-induced seizure
- MeSH:
Animals;
Anticonvulsants;
Brain Diseases;
Epilepsy;
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid*;
In Vitro Techniques;
Mice;
Pentylenetetrazole;
Rehmannia*;
Seizures*;
Water*
- From:Natural Product Sciences
2017;23(1):40-45
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures that are usually controlled with antiepileptic/anticonvulsive drugs. However, most antiepileptic drugs produce various side effects such as tolerance and sedation. Thus, there is a growing interest for alternative anticonvulsive drugs, preferably from natural or herbal sources. In this study, we evaluated the anticonvulsive effects of Rehmannia glutinosa (RG). The anticonvulsive effect of RG extract was evaluated using electroshock- and chemical-induced seizure tests in mice. To identify its probable mechanism of action, the effects of RG extract on Cl− influx was measured in vitro. We found that RG extract has anticonvulsive effects against electroshock-induced seizures, as indicated by an increased seizure threshold in mice. The RG extract also decreased the percentage of seizure responses induced by the GABAergic antagonist, pentylenetetrazole. These results suggest that the anticonvulsive effects of RG extract are mediated through a GABAergic mechanism. In support of this mechanism, our in vitro test showed that RG extract increases intracellular Cl− influx. Furthermore, RG extract did not show sedative and/or muscle relaxant effects in the open-field and rota-rod tests. Altogether, these results confirm that RG extract could be a herbal anticonvulsant and a potential alternative for clinical use.
