title: Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Anethum graveolens Leaves on Seizure Induced by Pentylenetetrazole in Mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this study, the aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens (dill) leaves was studied for its effects on treating convulsions and epilepsy, by using a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model. The evaluated plant has a traditional medical reputation for profound anticonvulsant activities, additionally, dill has been claimed to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
  
  
  METHODS
  For the PTZ kindling induction, mice were given a dose of PTZ (37 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) every other day, and seizure stages were precisely recorded. During and after kindling, the effects of the non-toxic doses of the aqueous extracts (100, 250, and 400 mg/kg) on seizure latency in stage 2 (S2L), seizure latency in stage 4 (S4L), and seizure duration in stage 5 (S5D) were measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The aqueous extract of dill leaves had a noticeable anticonvulsant effect. The 400 mg/kg dose of the extract sample decreased with S5D (P < 0.05), and increased with S2L and S4L significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The obtained data shows that the aqueous extract possesses anticonvulsant activity against seizure induced by PTZ. The presence of anticonvulsant compounds in this medicinal herb suggests further activity and guided fractionation studies in order to introduce this plant as a valuable source of anticonvulsant agents.
authors.affiliation: Addiction and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 9414953535, Bojnurd, Iran.
authors.forename: Akaberi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arash
authors.affiliation: Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 9613596135, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad-Zadeh
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Mohammad
authors.affiliation: Educational Development Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 9613596135, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Mirmoosavi Seyed
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Jamal
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, School of Sciences, Hakim Sabzevari University, PO Box 9617976487, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Tazari Ali
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Mohammad
authors.affiliation: Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 9613596135, Sabzevar, Iran.
authors.forename: Abarashi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Azam
keywords: Anethum graveolens; anticonvulsant; kindling; mice; pentylenetetrazole