The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salep on pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in adult male Rats

Background: Epilepsy as a neurological disorder is characterized by unpredictable and periodic seizure. In the present study the anticonvulsant effect  of different doses of salep hydroalcoholic extract on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures was investigated. Materials and Methods: The animal model of seizure was established by the intraperitoneal injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ- 85 mg / kg). Hydroalcoholic extract of salep administered to the animals in 3 doses (80, 160 and 320mg / kg). The parameters of the onset and duration of tonic-clonic seizure, total seizure time, balance (falling) and jumping during seizure mortality rate were measured. The results were analyzed by ANOVA test at a significant level of p≤0.05. Results: The results of the current study indicated that salep extract increased the delay in the onset of seizure in the PTZ + extract group in comparison with PTZ group. The duration of tonic-clonic seizure and the number of falling, jumpping and total seizure time were significantly decreased by salep extract compared to PTZ group. In the seizure + salep extract, the number and percentage of 24-hour mortality among animals decreased with increasing dosage. All changes were dose dependent that 320 mg / kg showed the most effect. Conclusions:  Extract of salep can probably had anticonvulsant properties, however, further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms.