Effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on nitric oxide metabolites in brain tissues following seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole in mice

OBJECTIVE: The effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on oxidative stress imposed by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was examined in mice brain tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were divided into five groups as follows: 1- control group which received saline; 2- PTZ group (100 mg/kg, ip); and groups 3 to 5 which received (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of C. zeylanicum for seven days prior to PTZ injection. The latencies of the first minimal clonic seizure (MCS) and the first generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) and levels of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers were measured. RESULTS: Treatment with the two higher doses of the extract significantly increased the MCS and GTCS latencies (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were increased, but superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and thiol were decreased in both cortical and hippocampal tissues of the PTZ group compared to the controls (p<0.001). Pretreatment with the two higher doses of C. zeylanicum significantly led to a significant correction in NO, MDA, SOD and CAT levels in the hippocampus and cortex compared to the PTZ group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of C. zeylanicum in PTZ-injected animals may suggest its potential therapeutic effect on nervous diseases such as seizures.