Evaluation of Anti-Convulsive Properties of Aqueous Kava Extract on Zebrafish Using the PTZ-Induced Seizure Model

Abstract

Kava roots have been extensively studied in clinical trials as potential candidate anti-anxiety drugs. However, anti-convulsive properties of various tissues of stems of Kava have not been reported to date. The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-convulsive potential of aqueous extracts prepared from specific tissues of Kava (Piper methysticum) stems in zebrafish, using the PTZ-induced seizure model. The potency of each extract was compared in terms of the intensity of seizure scores and onset time after pre-treating the zebrafish before the PTZ challenge. The results indicate that aqueous extract of Kava stems without peel after 45 min of pre-treatment exhibited anti-convulsive potential at the dose of 50 mg/L. This study provides evidence to the anti-convulsive properties of peeled Kava stems and its potential for investigation and design of candidate anti-convulsive drugs.

Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review

“…Few studies evaluated bdnf expression, that is involved in neuroplasticity, in adults, and the majority used 170 mg/kg ip. injection to induce seizures and some did not find any alteration (Choo et al, 2018(Choo et al, , 2019Jaiswal et al, 2020), while some observed a decrease in this gene expression [88,133]. Little is known about oxidative stress in adult zebrafish exposed to PTZ.…”

An Updated Review on the Psychoactive, Toxic and Anticancer Properties of Kava

“…Another in vivo study evaluated the anticonvulsant effects of kavas' stem peelings in the zebrafish model. An aqueous extract of kava without peel after 45 min of pre-treatment showed an anticonvulsant potential at a dose of 50 mg/L [92]. Another clinical trial develops a kava-based intervention to enable tobacco cessation and reduce lung cancer risk in active smokers who have no intention to quit smoking (www.clinicaltrials.gov, accessed on 22 February 2022).…”