The Effect of Pelargonium Sidoides Extract on Penicillin-Induced

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract on penicillin-induced epileptic activity. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. P. sidoides is a medicinal plant known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a candidate for research into natural therapeutic alternatives. This study seeks to evaluate the potential effects of this plant on epileptiform activity, contributing to the exploration of effective options for epilepsy treatment. This study represents the first investigation into the relationship between P. sidoides and epileptiform activity Methods: A total of 18 female Wistar albino rats, aged 16-20 weeks and weighing 220-350 g, were randomly divided into three groups: Control group (n=6) received intracortical penicillin-G, Vehicle group (n=6) received intracortical penicillin with physiological saline, and Experimental group (n=6) received intracortical penicillin-G combined with P. sidoides extract. The rats were treated daily for 10 days with physiological saline and P. sidoides extract at a dosage of 60 mg/kg via gavage. Last day of the experiment neuromuscular blockade was induced with urethane, and electrophysiological recordings were obtained from the cortex. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0, and normality of the datas was confirmed for all groups using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. No statistically significant differences were found in average peak frequency or amplitude between the penicillin group and the P. sidoides group (p>0.05). The average peak frequency for the penicillin group was 59±1.5 spikes/min, while for the P. sidoides group, it was 56.3±4.3 spikes/min. Conclusion: Although P. sidoides may suggest a potential influence on epileptiform activity, the results indicate that it does not provide effective or significant protection under the tested conditions. Further research is necessary to explore its therapeutic potential in the treatment of epilepsy.