Investigation of the relationship of resveratrol and silymarin with learning, memory and some biochemical parameters in rats with epilepsy induced by pentylenetetrazole

Aim: Learning and memory decline in epilepsy. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of resveratrol and silymarin on learning and memory mechanisms in epileptic rats. Material and Method: The study included a total of 5 groups (Control group, Epilepsy group, Resveratrol group, Silymarin group, Resveratrol + Silymarin group). Fifty male Wistar Albino rats were used. The Control group received isotonic solution for 28 days, while the other groups received pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) intraperitoneal (i.p.) every other day for the first 14 days. The treatment groups received the treatment substances intravenously (i.v.) for 14 days after PTZ administration. At the end of 28 days, the rats were subjected to elevated plus maze, passive avoidance, and open field tests. Serum GABA, glutamate, total antioxidant stress (TAS), and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels were analyzed in blood samples taken from the sacrificed animals after the tests. Results: No significant difference in weight was observed between weeks in the control group (p>0.05). A partially significant decrease was observed between weeks in the epilepsy group, epilepsy + resveratrol, epilepsy + silymarin, and resveratrol + silymarin groups (p<0.05). GABA levels were significantly reduced in the epilepsy group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Glutamate levels were significantly increased in the epilepsy group compared to the control group (p<0.05). TAS levels decreased in the epilepsy group, while TOS levels increased. When learning and memory tests were examined, a significant change was observed in the epileptic group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the treatment groups, a significant change was observed compared to the epileptic group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, in addition to the therapeutic effects of resveratrol and silymarin, their contribution to learning and memory mechanisms was also observed. In particular, the synergistic effect created when resveratrol and silymarin are administered together contributes more to the learning and memory mechanism.