The impact of Withania somnifera and carbamazepine on epileptic phenotype in Drosophila temperature-sensitive mutants

Background

Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder affecting individuals across all age groups, often requires treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). While Carbamazepine (CBZ) serves a commonly prescribed first-line medication, its efficacy is limited in 30–40 % of patients. In exploring alternative treatment options. Herbal medicines like Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) offer promising benefits with reduced adverse effects. This study aims to assess the therapeutic impacts of W. somnifera and CBZ on behavioral paralysis, reproductive abilities, and lifespan in a Drosophila paralytic temperature-sensitive mutant (para^ST76).

Methods

para^ST76 flies were exposed to three distinct concentrations of W. somnifera or CBZ added to wheat flour-agar media.

Results

The results indicate that high concentration of W. somnifera effectively extended the lifespan of Drosophila para^ST76 without compromising fecundity and fertility. Conversely, exposure to 40 μg/ml of CBZ resulted in a shortened lifespan and decreased reproductive ability in the para^ST76 mutant. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that neither W. somnifera nor CBZ exerted any notable impact on behavioral paralysis, as per our dataset analysis.

Conclusion

This study exhibits that W. somnifera is a safe compound, devoid of any adverse effects, and possesses the capability to prolong the lifespan of Drosophila. Nevertheless, it does not affect the voltage-gated sodium channel of the para^ST76 mutant.