Inhibitory Effects of Peony Root Extract on the Large Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Current Essential in Production of Bursting Activity

Abstract

To elucidate the mechanism of inhibitory action of peony root extract on pentylenetetrazol-induced bursting activity, effects of peony root extract on the iberiotoxin-sensitive large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) current that plays an essential role in the production of bursting activity were investigated. Peony root extract showed a clear inhibitory effect on the iberiotoxin-sensitive calcium-activated potassium current. Peony root extract also showed clear inhibitory effects on spontaneous bursting activity and BKCa current in the cerebral cortical neurons of the EL mouse, a hereditary epilepsy animal model. These results together with our previous studies, including the protective effect against neuron damage, indicate that peony root extract is a promising herbal drug for inhibition of convulsions.

Review of the use of botanicals for epilepsy in complementary medical systems — Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…A previous study demonstrated the inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin extract on PTZ-induced EEG power spectrum changes and suggested that paeoniflorin had anticonvulsant activity [90]. The anticonvulsant effects of paeoniflorin may primarily be associated with the inhibitory effects of peony root extract on the large conductance calcium-activated potassium current essential in the production of bursting activity [91,92] and its protective effects on neuron damage in the hippocampus induced by the cobalt focus epilepsy model [90]. One recent study demonstrated the anticonvulsant effect of paeoniflorin on experimental febrile seizures in immature rats and suggested the potential application for febrile seizures in children [93].…”

Rosehip inhibits xanthine oxidase activity and reduces serum urate levels in a mouse model of hyperuricemia

“…These food types also contribute to the promotion of self-medication, i.e., the use of over-the-counter medicines, including herbal and traditional products, to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms (1,2). Of particular interest is the biological activity and safety of natural products, including food, traditional herbs, kampo and their phytochemicals (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”