Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that occurs when electrical impulses in the brain are disrupted.The severity of an epileptic seizure may vary from going into a trance-like state to experiencing violent convulsions. There is no cure for epilepsy, but it can usually be controlled successfully with medications known as anti-epileptic drugs. Some herbs may help to soothe the nervous system and may be beneficial for epilepsy sufferers, but evidence to show they are effective is lacking. Always discuss herbal remedies with your doctor, and do not take herbs in place of your epilepsy medicines.
Examples
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that several herbs may be beneficial for seizure disorders, including bacopa and passionflower. Bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb that may help to reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures, while passionflower may also help to prevent seizures. Also known as brahmi, bacopa is commonly used to boost learning and improve memory, while passionflower may aid relaxation and reduce anxiety. The amount of each herb that you need to take to help prevent or treat epilepsy may depend on the severity of your condition, as well as other treatments you may be taking. Get advice from your doctor.
Scientific Evidence
Studies evaluating the role of bacopa in the treatment of epilepsy are limited. Although, research by J. Mathew et al., published in the April 2010 issue of "Epilepsy Behavior," found that bacopa prevents the occurrence of seizures, but the study was carried out in rats with epilepsy, not in people with the condition. Studies examining the role of passionflower in the treatment of epilepsy are equally limited, but research by S.M. Elsas, published in the October 2010 issue of "Phyotomedicine," found that passionflower has anticonvulsant effects. Again, however, the study was carried out in an animal model, not in humans.
Safety
RxList notes that short-term use of brahmi is likely safe for most people, but adds that it may cause nausea, a dry mouth and fatigue. Passionflower is also likely safe, according to MedlinePlus, but it may cause numerous side effects including dizziness, confusion and nausea. If you experience any unusual effects while using either of these herbs, stop using them and see your doctor.
Considerations
Although herbs are natural, they can be highly potent and are not suitable for everyone. Do not use either of these herbs if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also avoid passionflower if you are shortly to undergo surgery as it may heighten the effect of the anesthetic. Passionflower may also heighten the effects of drugs that have a sedating effect, for example, CNS depressants like phenobarbital and zolpidem.
References
- NHS Choices: Epilepsy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Seizure Disorders
- RxList: Brahmi
- MedlinePlus: Passionflower
- "Epilepsy Behavior"; Behavioral Deficit and Decreased GABA Receptor Functional Regulation in the Cerebellum of Epileptic Rats: Effect of Bacopa Monnieri and Bacoside A; J. Mathew et al.; April 2010
- "Phytomedicine"; Passiflora Incarnata L. (Passionflower) Extracts Elicit GABA Currents in Hippocampal Neurons In Vitro, and Show Anxiogenic and Anticonvulsant Effects In Vivo, Varying With Extraction Method; S.M. Elsas et al.; October 2010
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