# Protective effect of Pistacia lentiscus L. gum on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures: Evaluation of antioxidant capacity in the hippocampus of male rats

## TL;DR

This study shows that a natural gum from Pistacia lentiscus L. may help reduce seizures and oxidative stress in rats.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the anticonvulsant and antioxidant effects of Pistacia lentiscus L. gum in a seizure model.

## Key findings

- P. lentiscus gum delayed seizure onset and reduced seizure severity in rats.
- The gum reduced oxidative stress markers like MDA and increased antioxidants like GSH, SOD, and CAT.

## Abstract

Pistacia lentiscus L. (Mastaki), from the Anacardiaceae family, is known for its polyphenolic properties. Regarding its role in oxidative stress, we aimed to investigate its beneficial effects on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) model of acute seizure.

Acute tonic-clonic seizures were induced by PTZ (80 mg/kg; i.p.), with seizure scores assessment done within 30 min using the Racine scales. In the current study, a total of 70 male Wistar rats were randomly added into seven groups of 10: (1) Control, (2) PTZ (80 mg/kg), (3) Vehicle (distilled water + PTZ), (4-6) P. lentiscus L. gum groups + PTZ, and (7) Diazepam (0.3 mg/kg) + PTZ. Groups 3-6 received oral (gavage) distilled water or P. lentiscus L. gum (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg), 40 min before a single intraperitoneal injection of PTZ. Finally, hippocampal tissues were assessed for the determination of oxidative stress parameters.

P. lentiscus gum (400 mg/kg) significantly increased latencies to the stages 2, 4, and 5 of seizure while reduced stage 5 duration in comparison with the PTZ group. Treatment with P. lentiscus also decreased elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels induced by PTZ and increased glutathione (GSH) concentration, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in comparison with the PTZ group.

This study’s findings indicate that P. lentiscus L. possesses anticonvulsant properties, which may be partially attributed to its antioxidant activity, offering protection against oxidative stress.