Anticonvulsant activity of combined root extracts of Acorus Calamus and Bacopa Monnieri in rats

Abstract

Many synthetic antiepileptic drugs are currently in use; however, their chronic usage often leads to a high incidence of drug resistance and unwanted side effects. This research highlights the significance of traditional medicine as an alternative approach to treating epilepsy. A methanolic combined root extract of Acorus calamus and Bacopa monnieri in a 1:1 ratio was prepared. Initially, computational-based molecular-level studies were conducted to examine the interacting phytoconstituents. Preliminary phytochemical screening determined the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenes. An animal study was performed for seizure induction, and various phases of epilepsy were recorded by observing the number of animals showing elimination of hind limb tonic extension (HLTE) or extension not greater than 90°. Treatment with 200 mg/kg (p.o.) and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the flexion and extensor phases of convulsions compared to the standard drug phenytoin sodium. Additionally, docking and simulation studies revealed that the molecule 9,17-octadecadienal binds with an energy of −49.91 kcal/mol and is responsible for the observed activity. The toxicity profile of the phytoconstituents produced higher QPlogPo/w values (8.441) for the hydrophobic molecules, which may improve their capacity to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB), allowing them to interact with specific CNS targets. The results of this study indicate that the root extracts of Acorus calamus and Bacopa monnieri have a significant antiepileptic effect against maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced seizures with negligible toxicity.