EPILEPSY AND ANTICONVULSANT POTENTIAL OF NARDOSTACHYS JATAMANSI: A REVIEW OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICINAL PLANT APPLICATIONS

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects individuals of all age groups and has significant neurological, psychological, and social consequences. The condition results from an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, particularly glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to neuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchronization. Seizures can be classified into generalized and partial types depending on the area of the brain affected. Although antiepileptic drugs are widely used for management, a considerable proportion of patients suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy, necessitating the search for alternative therapies. Medicinal plants have gained attention due to their potential neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties. Nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as Indian Spikenard, is an important medicinal herb belonging to the family Valerianaceae and traditionally used in neurological disorders. The plant contains various phytochemicals such as sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, and essential oils, which contribute to its anticonvulsant, sedative, and neuroprotective activities. This review highlights the pathophysiology of epilepsy, classification of seizures, and the pharmacological importance of Nardostachys jatamansi and other medicinal plants used in epilepsy management.