Herbal extracts: the future treatment option for drug-resistant epilepsy

J Pak Med Assoc. 2023 Jun;73(6):1266-1271. doi: 10.47391/JPMA.7081.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by two or more unprovoked seizures. The high prevalence and incidence of epilepsy globally, especially in Asia, has remained a big concern over the course of centuries. Patients are usually prescribed the already known anti-epileptic drugs, but even after going through three different generations of anti-epileptic drugs, some people still suffer from drug-resistant form of epilepsy. These patients are usually prescribed a higher dose of anti-epileptic drugs, which results in more adverse effects. That is why new treatment options, like herbal extracts, should be explored for patients who do not respond to the classic anti-epileptic drugs. The current narrative review was planned to explore if herbal extracts can be the future for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Herbal extracts, Drug-resistant epilepsy, Anti-epileptic drugs..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Seizures / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Plant Extracts