Phytochemical Profile and in Vitro and in Vivo Anticonvulsant and Antioxidant Activities of Epilobium Hirsutum

Abstract

This study presents the phytochemical profile and in vitro and in vivo anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities of Epilobium hirsutum, which has been traditionally used in the treatment of epilepsy by local people of Turkey. In vitro studies revealed that the extract contained a pronounced amount of phenolics (206.3±0.9 mg Gallic acid Eq/g extract) and exhibited significant levels of antioxidant (FRAP; 6226 µmol Fe2+/g extract, ORAC; 6593 µmol Trolox Eq/g extract, DPPH; IC50:33.8 ug/mL and metal chelation; IC50:114 ug/mL) and anticonvulsant (AChE; IC50:71.2 ug/mL, BChE; IC50:92.5 ug/mL, GABA-T; IC50:94.7 ug/mL) activities. In vivo studies shown that the extract exhibited high anticonvulsant activities. In addition, the extracts regulated the behaviour, locomotion and mental activities of the mice tested. Biochemical evaluation of the brain tissue revealed that the extract inhibited the production of MDA and stimulated the increasing of antioxidant enzyme levels, which suggest the possible antioxidative role of the extract that worked as neuroprotective agents by scarfing the free radicals produced through PTZ seizure inducer and attenuate convulsions. Moreover the extract regulated serum biochemical parameters, total antioxidant, total oxidant, and ischemia-modified albumin levels. Chromatographic studies were revealed that gallic acid principally might be the major contributor of anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities with the additive contributions of fatty acids and mineral compounds. Findings obtained from this study partially justified the traditional use of Epilobium hirsutum in the treatment of epilepsy and suggest potential use of the extract as industrial or pharmaceutical agent. © IJSM 2020.