This study investigates the antiepileptic potential of the methanolic extract of Vitex negundo leaves in seizure models induced in mice using lithium-pilocarpine, maximal electroshock (MES), strychnine, picrotoxin, and pentylenetetrazol. The extract demonstrated a protective effect against seizures induced by MES and enhanced the efficacy of standard anticonvulsant drugs against chemically-induced seizures. The results suggest that the flavonoids present in the methanolic extract may exert their antiepileptic effects by modulating GABAergic pathways and blocking sodium (Na⁺) channels in a dose-dependent manner. These findings highlight the potential of Vitex negundo methanolic extract as a promising therapeutic candidate for epilepsy treatment.
Keywords: Vitex negundo, methanolic extract, maximal electroshock (MES), antiepileptic, animal models, GABAergic pathway