Targeting Oxidative Stress and Neuro-Inflammation by Gastrodia elata Improves Disease Outcomes in a Rat Model of Epilepsy

Abstract Background: Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the development of seizures. Gastrodia elata (GE) is a Chinese plant used for treating epileptic convulsions. Objectives: To determine the effects of GE on oxidative stress, inflammation, and behavioral changes after pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five adult Wistar albino male rats, six weeks old, weighing between 150 and 250 g, were housed at the animal house of the College of Medicine, University of Babylon. Rats were divided into: Group 1: Control group, Group 2: PTZ (40 mg/kg), Group 3: PTZ (40 mg/kg) and GE (883.56 mg/kg), Group 4: PTZ (40 mg/kg) and zonisamide (100 mg/kg), Group 5: Zonisamide (100 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed by decapitation. Brain tissue homogenate was prepared for the estimation of biochemical parameters: glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α ), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and behavioral tests (latency, severity, and duration of fits). Results: In Group 2, GSH and T-AOC levels were significantly decreased, while MDA levels were significantly increased, compared to Group 1. TNF- α , IL-1, and IL-6 were significantly increased in Group 2 in comparison with Group 1. T-AOC and GSH were significantly increased in Groups 3, 4, and 5 compared to Group 2 with a significant reduction in MDA levels. IL-6, IL-1, and TNF- α were significantly decreased in Groups 3, 4, and 5. Duration and severity of fits were significantly decreased, and latency of fits was significantly increased in Groups 3, 4, and 5. Conclusions: GE had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it ameliorated the severity, decreased the duration and increased the latency of fits.