Neuroprotective effect of alcoholic extract of Selaginella bryopteris leaves in experimental models of epilepsy

Epilepsy, a neurological disorder, is characterized by recurrent, uncontrolled seizures due to an imbalance between inhibitory and excitatory neuronal interactions in the central nervous system (CNS). This study explores the neuroprotective effects of an alcoholic extract from Selaginella bryopteris leaves in experimental epilepsy models. Swiss albino mice (25–30 g) were used, and epilepsy was induced via pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 60 mg/kg) and maximal electric shock (MES). The extract was administered orally at varying doses and compared with conventional antiepileptic drugs, phenytoin and diazepam. LC-MS analysis identified amentoflavone as a key bioactive compound with antiepileptic properties. The extract demonstrated significant dose-dependent protection in both PTZ and MES models, delaying convulsions in the PTZ model at 500 mg/kg, comparable to diazepam, and providing convulsion protection in the MES model similar to phenytoin. Additionally, the extract increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutathione (GSH) levels while reducing lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, indicating its neuroprotective properties. These findings suggest that S. bryopteris leaves possess significant antiepileptic properties and may serve as a promising treatment for epilepsy.