Interactions between Matricaria recutita and cisplatin on PTZ-induced seizure threshold in mice

Studies have shown that chamomile contains significant amounts of essential amino acids and flavonoids. Moreover, the neuropathic effects of cisplatin have been reported in humans and different animal models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita and cisplatin using the standard method of chemical seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in mice. In this experimental study, 32 male mice were randomly selected into 4 groups (n=8 per group). First group received normal saline; second group received Matricaria recutita hydroalcoholic extract (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); third group received cisplatin (2 mg/kg, intravenously) and the fourth group hydroalcoholic extract of Matricaria recutita plus cisplatin, thereafter, the seizure threshold was determined for each group. The results of this study showed that PTZ-induced seizure threshold in control mice was 35.86±1.67 mg/kg and chamomile hydroalcoholic extract significantly increased the PTZ seizure threshold (P<0.0001), while seizure threshold in the cisplatin group significantly decreased (P<0.0001). Moreover, simultaneous use of Matricaria recutita extract and cisplatin caused significant increase of seizure threshold (P<0.0001) in cisplatin taking group. Considering the existence of several types of antioxidants and flavonoids in Matricaria recutita that have antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects, the plant can be used to reduce the neuropathic effects of cisplatin.