Mechanizmy neurobiologiczne działania przeciwpadaczkowego ekstraktu z Sarcococca saligna w doświadczalnym modelu epilepsji

Sarcococca saligna (S. saligna), a medicinal plant, has traditionally been used due to its beneficial effects on the nervous system. This study evaluated the anticonvulsant efficacy of S. saligna methanolic extract (SSME) against pentylenetetrazol induced seizures (60 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. Sodium valproate (300 mg/kg, administered orally) served as the reference drug. Rats received SSME at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for seven days. The anticonvulsant potential of SSME was evaluated using neurobehavioral tests and quantifying neurotransmitters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Biochemical and neurochemical tests showed that extract treated rats without seizures showed significant (p < 0.001) restoration of the levels of dopamine (DA), noradrenaline (NA), serotonin, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT), along with lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with SSME reinstated these parameters to near normal levels. Furthermore, the extract restored the balance between inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters by increasing GABA and maintaining normal glutamate levels in brain homogenates. Histopathological analyses revealed substantial recovery from neuronal degeneration and vacuolization following extract tratment in epileptic rats. The results show that SSME has significant anticonvulsant properties, making it a possible treatment for epilepsy. The findings of current study showed that SSME significantly improved motor function, restored neurotransmitter balance, and maintained antioxidant defenses without producing apparent treatment-related adverse effects under the experimental conditions. These findings suggest that SSME has promise as a potential therapeutic candidate for epilepsy and merits further preclinical and clinical investigation.