Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) Stem Bark Extract Protects against Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Oxidative Stress and Seizures in Rats

Introduction. The stem bark of Maerua angolensis DC. (Capparaceae) is traditionally used for management of epilepsy. Our aimwas to evaluate the antiseizure potential and identify possible mechanisms by which the effects are registered. Methods. Thepetroleum ether/ethyl acetate extract (100–1000 mg kg−1) was administered per os to male Sprague-Dawley rats after pretreatmentwith flumazenil (0.3 mg kg−1) or L-arginine (150 mg kg−1) or sildenafil (5 mg kg−1) and they subsequently received a subcutaneousinjection of pentylenetetrazole (65 mg kg−1). Rats were observed for latency to and duration of myoclonic seizures and additionallythe level of protection against oxidant markers and products was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Results. The extract (300 and1000 mg kg−1, p.o.) significantly delayed the onset and decreased the duration and frequency of PTZ-induced convulsions. Theanticonvulsant effect of MAE (300 mg kg−1, p.o.) was reversed by pretreatment with flumazenil, L-arginine, or sildenafil. Also,MAE (300 mg kg−1) treatment reversed significantly PTZ-induced oxidative stress in rat brain tissue. Conclusion. The petroleumether/ethyl acetate fraction exhibits antiseizure activity by affecting GABAergic and nitric oxide-cGMP pathways. In addition, theextract protects against the generation of free radicals and the oxidative products of the PTZ-induced seizures.