Inhibitory effects of peony root extract on the large conductance calcium-activated potassium current essential in production of bursting activity

J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):65-77.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / drug effects*
  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacology*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cerebral Cortex / cytology
  • Cerebral Cortex / embryology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Paeonia*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Roots
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated / drug effects*
  • Seizures / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Potassium Channels, Calcium-Activated