Antiepileptic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae) on pilocarpine-induced seizures in Mus musculus Swiss mice

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system. Approximately 3% of the population at some point in their lives would be affected by epileptic disorders in the world, that is to say nearly 70 million people and therefore about 85% live in developing countries. The objective of this study is to determine the anticonvulsant effects of Lippia multiflora on the animal model of epileptogenesis induced by pilocarpine injection in mice during the acute phase. Mice were treated with different doses of the aqueous extract of L. multiflora or sodium valproate. The anticonvulsant effects were evaluated 24 after the injection of pilocarpine by referring to the Racine scale. Then a daily treatment was done for one week corresponding to the acute stage of the disease. Oxidative stress parameters were measured from brain samples taken on the last day of treatment. The injection of pilocarpine induced the Status epilepticus, which is translated by the appearance of convulsive seizures while the administration of different doses of the aqueous extract of L. multiflora led to a significant decrease of the seizures induced by pilocarpine in mice. In addition, L. multiflora extract restored endogenous levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO) and increased the activity of oxidative stress enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH). L. multiflora possesses anticonvulsant properties mediated by the involvement of GABAA receptors and antioxidants.