Formulation and evaluation of a smart mucoadhesive nasal gel containing oregano, chamomile, and lavender for seizure control in PTZ-induced seizure model in rats.

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affecting approximately 1% of the global population. Despite the availability of antiepileptic drugs, a significant proportion of patients experience uncontrolled seizures, which necessitates the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Herbal medicine has gained attention due to its potential anticonvulsant properties.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the anticonvulsant effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of oregano, chamomile, and lavender in rats' pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)- induced seizure model. Furthermore, it sought to formulate and evaluate a mucoadhesive nasal hydrogel containing these extracts.

Methods: The herbal extracts were prepared using ethanol (70%) through maceration and analyzed based on the Iranian Herbal Pharmacopeia standards. Total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified using the spectrophotometric method to standardize the extracts. Using various gelling agents, the nasal hydrogel formulation was optimized for mucoadhesion and gelation properties. The anticonvulsant activity was evaluated in vivo using seizure models induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ).

Results: The herbal extracts met the pharmacopeial standards, and the nasal hydrogel formulation demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, including optimal pH and mucoadhesive strength. In vivo studies showed that intranasal administration of the herbal extracts significantly delayed seizure onset and reduced seizure intensity at a dose of 34mg/kg, compared to the negative control group (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The smart mucoadhesive nasal hydrogel containing oregano, chamomile, and lavender extracts exhibited promising anticonvulsant activity, suggesting its potential as a novel, non-invasive alternative for epilepsy management.