The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mentha piperita on pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion in mice

Background: Convulsion is one of the most important disorders of the central nervous system. On account of their lower side effects, the use of medical herbs for treating diseases, including convulsion, is on the rise. Aims and Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating the effect of peppermint extract on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion in small white (laboratory) rats. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 64 mice. The treatment groups received various (400, 600, and 800 mg/kg) doses of hydroalcoholic peppermint extract. The positive and negative control groups received Diazepam (1 mg/kg) and normal saline (10 ml/kg)30 min before intraperitoneal PTZ injection (85 mg/kg), respectively. Such factors as the onset, length, and severity of convulsion were then studied. To determine the best extract dose, the response times for min 15, 30, 45, and 60 before PTZ injection were studied. Results: Results from the administration doses of the extract revealed that it had a dose-dependent effect in that no convulsion was seen at 800 mg/kg. To investigate the effect of interval between appropriate extract dose injection (800 mg/kg) on PTZ levels, 15-, 30-, 45-, and 60-min intervals were chosen. Results showed that the best result of the 800 mg/kg extract dose was achieved 30 min before PTZ injection where no convulsion was observed. Conclusion: The overall result revealed that peppermint extract had preventive effects on PTZ-induced epileptic attacks in mice where the 800 mg/kg dose brought about the best result, i.e., no convulsion.