¹Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 401001 Enugu State, Nigeria
²Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
³Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria DOI : 10.29228/jrp.398 Musa paradisiaca stem juice (MPSJ) found an extensive use in folklore medicine, but its antiepileptic properties are yet to be scientifically proven, hence, the aim of this study. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model was adopted, involving twenty-four (n=24) adult male albino rats, randomly distributed into six (6) groups of four animals each (n=4). Group 1 received saline (p.o); group 2 was untreated; group 3 received 4 mg/kg b.w diazepam (p.o); while groups 4, 5 and 6 received 50, 75 and 100% (v/v) of MPSJ (p.o), respectively. The treatment lasted for 10 days before rats were challenged with PTZ (85 mg/kg b.w, i.p) after 45 min. Group 6 showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in brain GABA level compared to that of the untreated group. Groups 5 and 6 showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in glutamate level and GABA-T activities compared to that of group 2. There were significant (p < 0.05) increases in the levels of CAT and SOD of group 6 rats compared to those of the untreated groups, except the GSH that was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Group 6 showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher SOD concentration when compared to group 2. The MDA level of group 4 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced compared to that of group 2. The neuronal necrosis produced by PTZ was ameliorated in group 4 rats and the normal histo-architecture of the brain was restored. This study suggests MPSJ has protective effects against PTZ-induced seizures in rats. Keywords : Seizure disorder; convulsion; Plantain (Musa paradisiaca); pentylenetetrazole; neurotransmitter; GABAT; antioxidant