Antiepileptic Potential of Medicinal Plants: A Comprehensive Review on Mechanisms, Experimental Seizure Models of Plant-Derived Anticonvulsant Compounds
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACTEpilepsy is a persistent, non-infectious neurological condition impacting over 50 million individuals globally, markedby a recurring propensity for spontaneous seizures resulting from aberrant, excessive, or synchronised neuralactivity. Notwithstanding the use of synthetic anti-seizure pharmaceuticals (ASMs). Prolonged use of these substancescorrelates with negative consequences, pharmacological interactions, and treatment resistance in one-third ofpatients. These constraints have heightened the curiosity in investigating medicinal flora as alternative orsupplementary treatment modalities. Historically, numerous civilisations have used medicinal flora for themanagement of epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Numerous free clinical investigations have shown theanticonvulsant efficacy of botanical extracts and phytochemical ingredients using various experimental paradigms,including seizures caused by Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and Maximal Electroshock (MES). Antiepileptic propertieshave been shown for bioactive substances, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds, viapathways that include the regulation of GABA, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidant activityin neurotransmission. This assessment encapsulates the existing data about the epileptogenic properties of medicinalflora, their active compounds, the underlying mechanisms, and experimental investigations. Medicinal flora provide aprospective reservoir of innovative anticonvulsant compounds, alongside the obstacles and opportunities in theadvancement of plant-derived anti-epileptic treatments. Nonetheless, further clinical research is necessary todetermine their effectiveness and safety for therapeutic use in epilepsy.
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7208829585
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: