The Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Effects of Walnuts on the Neurons of Rat Brain Cortex

BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a chief communal health problem. Antiepileptic drugs only provide symptomatic treatment. Walnut Kernels (WK) have high concentrations of phenolic compounds, which have beneficial effects on human health because of their antioxidant and anti-atherogenic properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of WK supplementation for the prevention of experimental epilepsy in male rats. METHODS WISTAR ADULT MALE RATS WERE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS: a control group (PTZ injection, fed with ordinary food), experimental group (PTZ injection, fed with WK) and a sham group (no PTZ injection, only for histological studies). Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was administered after the prescribed time. RESULTS WKs displayed anti-epileptogenic properties, and WK supplementation was associated with increased seizure threshold and reduced mortality in the experimental group versus controls. CONCLUSION Use of WK may be helpful in prevention of PTZ-induced seizure and its further neurodegeneration in male rats.