Adjuvant role of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extract with carbamazepine and phenytoin in experimental model of acute seizures

PURPOSE: This study assessed adjuvant potential of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extract (OSHE) with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin (PHT) in maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model in male Wistar rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pharmacodynamic effect of OSHE (1000 mg/kg) was assessed through seizure protection potential, neurobehavioral tests and oxidative stress estimation in MES model after 14 days administration of OSHE alone or combination with maximal (M) and sub-maximal (SM) dose of CBZ or PHT. Pharmacokinetic interaction of OSHE with AEDs was also assessed after 14 days of drug treatment. RESULTS: OSHE per se showed 50% protection against MES-induced seizures. Combination of OSHE with AEDs’ SM dose enhanced its seizure protection potential. Significant reduction in duration of tonic hind limb extension was observed in CBZ-SM + OSHE as compared to control group (p = 0.006). Among neurobehavioral tests in Morris water maze test rats of CBZ-M + OSHE took significantly less time to reach the platform (p = 0.022) and spent more time in target quadrant (p = 0.016) as compared to other groups. Similarly, rats of PHT-SM + OSHE group spent significantly more time in the target quadrant (p = 0.013). In elevated plus maze test, CBZ-M + OSHE had significantly decreased transfer latency compared to other groups (p = 0.013). OSHE alone treated group had significantly lower oxidative stress as compared to other groups. No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between OSHE and AEDs (CBZ, PHT). CONCLUSION: Ocimum’s potential of enhanced seizure protection and neuroprotection along with minimal drug interaction with AEDs substantiate its adjuvant role in the management of epilepsy.