EFFICACY OF A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION IN ALLEVIATING SEIZURES IN A RAT MODEL OF EPILEPSY
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Keywords
Epilepsy, Polyherbal extract, Catharanthus roseus, Ocimum sanctum, Valeriana officinalis, Withania somnifera
Abstract
Epilepsy poses a significant global health burden, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches. This research investigates the antiepileptic and neuropharmacological potential of a polyherbal extract comprising Catharanthus roseus (CR), Ocimum sanctum (OS), Valeriana officinalis (VO), and Withania somnifera (WS) in a rat model. The study employs behavioral assays, forebrain biogenic amine level assessments, and neuropharmacological tests to comprehensively evaluate the effects of the polyherbal extract. Leg extension time, stupor time, flexion time, and righting reflex recovery time are among the seizure-related metrics that significantly decreased in the polyherbal extract and diazepam-treated groups as compared to the control group, indicating the antiepileptic activity. Serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels significantly rise following the injection of polyherbal extract, according to forebrain biogenic amine analysis, indicating a possible regulation of neurotransmitter systems. Increased squares crossed in the Open Field Test, increased rearing behaviour, decreased cage crossing activity, longer travel times in the Traction Test, and longer periods of immobility in the Forced Swimming Test are all indicators of anxiolytic and sedative effects revealed by neuropharmacological evaluations. These results are consistent with the antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic qualities seen in each of the polyherbal formulation's constituent ingredients. This research sets the stage for the exploration of phytotherapeutic alternatives in epilepsy treatment, emphasizing the potential of natural remedies in neurological disorder management.
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Taufiq Ahmad
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Sultan Ayaz
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Abid Rashid
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan
Hafiz Muhammad Asif
University College of Conventional Medicine, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Seyd Muhammad Ali Shah
Department of Eastern Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan