Impact of Gastrodia elata on Neuroinflammation and Epilepsy in a Rat Model

Background: Gastrodia elata (GE) is a traditional Chinese herb, a type of Orchidaceae, which has antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: To investigate the impact of GE on behavioral changes and inflammation after induction of seizures in rats using pentylenetetrazole. Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats aged between 10 and 12 weeks, weighing 250–300 g were enrolled in this study. A total of 25 rats were divided into five groups: group 1: control group; group 2: pentylenetetrazole (40 mg/kg); group 3: pentylenetetrazole (40 mg/kg) and GE (883.56 mg/kg); group 4: pentylenetetrazole (40 mg/kg) and lacosamide (LCM, 50 mg/kg); and group 5: LCM (50 mg/kg). The rats were sacrificed by decapitation after 15 days of treatment, and brain tissue homogenate for the estimation of biochemical parameters, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), histology, and behavioral tests (latency, duration, and severity of fits). Results: TNF-α in group 2 was increased compared with group 1, but it was significantly decreased in groups 3, 4, and 5 compared with group 2. Histopathological results demonstrated moderate inflammation in group 2 compared with group 1, groups 3, 4, and 5 presented with mild inflammation compared with group 2. Latency of fits was significantly increased in groups 3, 4, and 5, whereas in group 2, it was significantly decreased; duration and severity of fits were significantly decreased in groups 3, 4, and 5. Conclusion: GE had anti-inflammatory effects and alleviated the severity, decreased the duration, and increased the latency of fits.