The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of triterpene oleanolic acid on the brain tissue of mice with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epileptic seizures. Male Swiss albino mice were randomly separated into five groups as the PTZ, control, and oleanolic acid (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) groups. PTZ injection was seen to cause significant seizures compared with the control group. Oleanolic acid significantly prolonged the latency to onset of myoclonic jerks and the duration of clonic convulsions, and decreased mean seizure scores following PTZ administration. Pretreatment with oleanolic acid also led to an increase in antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT and AChE) and levels (GSH and SOD) in the brain. The data obtained from this study support oleanolic acid may have anticonvulsant potential in PTZ-induced seizures, prevent oxidative stress and protect against cognitive disturbances. These results may provide useful information for the inclusion of oleanolic acid in epilepsy treatment.
Keywords: Epilepsy; mice; oleanolic acid; pentylenetetrazol; seizure.