The Neuroprotective Effect of Curcumin and Nigella sativa Oil Against Oxidative Stress in the Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy: A Comparison with Valproate

Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated to play a role in epileptogenesis and pilocarpine-induced seizures. The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidant effects of curcumin, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and valproate on the levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione and the activities of catalase, Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and acetylcholinesterase in the hippocampus of pilocarpine-treated rats. The animal model of epilepsy was induced by pilocarpine and left for 22 days to establish the chronic phase of epilepsy. These animals were then treated with curcumin, NSO or valproate for 21 days. The data revealed evidence of oxidative stress in the hippocampus of pilocarpinized rats as indicated by the increased nitric oxide levels and the decreased glutathione levels and catalase activity. Moreover, a decrease in Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity and an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity occurred in the hippocampus after pilocarpine. Treatment with curcumin, NSO or valproate ameliorated most of the changes induced by pilocarpine and restored Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in the hippocampus to control levels. This study reflects the promising anticonvulsant and potent antioxidant effects of curcumin and NSO in reducing oxidative stress, excitability and the induction of seizures in epileptic animals and improving some of the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs.

α-Tocopherol and Hippocampal Neural Plasticity in Physiological and Pathological Conditions

“…Since several studies have shown an increase in oxidative stress in epilepsy and have stated that free radicals can act as a pathogen in the disease [252,253], natural compounds with antioxidant properties were considered in preventing seizure-induced pathology [254,255]: results demonstrated that epilepsy could be partially prevented by treatment with antioxidants including SOD (Superoxide dismutase) mimetics, melatonin, vitamin C, and coenzyme Q10 [244]. Vitamin E (as α-T) was also proved to have beneficial effects in epilepsy, i.e., attenuating convulsive behavior and brain oxidative stress [40,41].…”

Endothelium-Independent Vasorelaxant Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract fromNigella sativaSeed in Rat Aorta: The Roles of Ca2+and K+Channels

“…N. sativa has been extensively studied for its biological activities and therapeutic potential and has been shown to possess a wide spectrum of activities such as anti-inflammatory [3], reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury [4], antioxidant [5, 6], antiepileptic [7], antibacterial [8], antihistaminic [9], antinociceptive [10], antidiabetic [11], hepatoprotective [12], and smooth muscle relaxant [9, 13] effects.…”

Curcumin in epilepsy disorders

“…As a general procedure, these rats are pretreated with atropine (5 mg/kg) before pilocarpine challenge in order to avoid peripheral muscarinic side effects and mortality. After 40-80 min of pilocarpine challenge, these rats could transition into status epilepticus (Ezz et al, 2011). The authors found an increase in the levels of nitric oxide and reduction in the glutathione and catalase activity in these rats (Ezz et al, 2011).…”

“…In the PTZ kindling model of epilepsy, curcumin (50-200 mg/kg po) has an ability to reduce the elevated levels of both malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione, thus displaying antioxidant ability (Agarwal, Jain, Agarwal, Mediratta, & Sharma, 2011). Ezz, Khadrawy, and Noor (2011) have also demonstrated the antioxidant effect of curcumin in pilocarpine challenged rats. Curcumin was given to these rats for 21 days at a dose of 80 mg/kg po.…”