Effects of Ginsenosides on Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Convulsions during Estrus Cycle in Rat

Ginseng is known as the king of all herbs in terms of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and recently has become more involved in the treatment of neurological diseases. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the effects of Ginsenosides on pentylenetetrazol-induced epilepsy during the estrus cycle. For this purpose, 30 rats were randomly divided into five groups, namely control (saline), valproic acid (VPA, 75 mg/kg), Ginsenosides (50 mg/kg), Ginsenosides (100 mg/kg), and Ginsenosides (150 mg/kg) with four subgroups (proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus). Subsequently, the initiation time of myoclonic seizures (ITMS), initiation time of tonic-clonic seizures (ITTS), and seizure duration (SD) were determined. According to the results, ITMS and ITTS significantly increased in the VPA-treated group (P<0.05). Ginsenosides (100 and 150 mg/kg) administration significantly increased ITMS and ITTS (P<0.05). Moreover, the ITMS and ITTS in Ginsenosides-treated rats were significantly higher in luteal phases, compared to the follicular phase (P<0.05). In addition, pretreatment with VPA significantly decreased SD, compared to the control group (P<0.05). A significant decrease in SD was observed in the rats pretreated with ginsenosides (100 and 150 mg/kg) (P<0.05). Seizure duration significantly decreased in animals that received Ginsenosides in luteal phases, compared to the follicular phase (P<0.05). These results suggested that Ginsenosides have anticonvulsant effects that are more prominent during the luteal phase than the follicular phase.