Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures resulting from abnormal neuronal activity. Limitations of current antiepileptic drugs, including adverse effects and drug resistance, have prompted the search for safer plant-derived alternatives. Allium cepa (onion) peel is a rich source of flavonoids and other phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant and anti inflammatory effects of ethanolic A. cepa peel extract (OPE) in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model in Swiss albino mice.
Materials and Methods: OPE was prepared by Soxhlet extraction and subjected to phytochemical screening. Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups (n = 5). Treatments were administered for 7 days. Seizures were induced with PTZ (45 mg/kg, i.p.). Diazepam served as the standard drug, while OPE was administered orally at 100 and 200 mg/kg, with one group receiving OPE (100 mg/kg) plus Darolac syrup. Seizure latency, severity, duration, mortality, motor coordination, brain tissue levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and hippocampal histopathology were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparison test.
Results: OPE contained flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides. Pre-treatment with OPE significantly delayed seizure onset, reduced seizure severity, seizure duration, and mortality, and decreased IL-6 and IL-1β levels compared with the PTZ group. The OPE (100 mg/kg) plus Darolac group showed the greatest protective effect. Histopathological examination demonstrated reduced neuronal degeneration and preservation of hippocampal architecture.
Conclusion: OPE exhibited significant anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for epilepsy.
Keywords: Allium cepa, quercetin, neuroinflammation, pentylenetetrazol, epilepsy