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Potential Effect of Belladonna in the Management of Convulsions in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) and In Silico Mechanistic Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Convulsions (seizures) are common neurological conditions characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Various modern treatments are available for managing convulsions; however, due to the side effects of available treatments, alternative medicine is gaining attention. One of the most popular homoeopathic remedies is Belladonna, used for treating neurological symptoms such as seizures, but scientific evidence is not available. Purpose: The present study was designed to evaluate its anticonvulsive effect in the zebrafish animal model. Methodology: The effect of homoeopathic Belladonna on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was assessed in this study. The safe dose was identified through acute toxicity studies, which revealed that 0.25% and 0.5% were non-toxic to zebrafish larvae and adults, respectively. In seizure studies, zebrafish larvae and adults were pre-treated with Belladonna mother tincture (Bell-MT), Bell-6C and Bell-30C potencies, followed by PTZ exposure to induce epileptic responses. An in silico molecular docking study was performed with the help of the Glide tool of Schrödinger Suite 2022-4. Results: The total phenolic content (TPC) in Belladonna-MT was 292.61 µg of gallic acid/100% MT. In zebrafish larvae, Bell-6C and Bell-30C significantly increased the latency to reach seizure score 2 and score 3, compared to the PTZ group. In adult zebrafish, Bell-6C and Bell-30C pre-treatment resulted in significant delays in reaching seizure scores 1-5. Additionally, the number of rotations and total distance travelled were also improved after the Belladonna pre-treatment in larvae and adult zebrafish and suggest a marked protective effect against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish. The possible mechanisms involved in the anti-convulsant activity of Belladonna were elucidated using molecular docking studies. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings support the potential of Belladonna as an anticonvulsant and could be a potential candidate for the management of epilepsy. However, further exploration for epilepsy management through the underlying mechanisms of action is needed in the future.

Source: Annals of Neurosciences

DOI: 10.1177/09727531251384502