Experimental study on antiepileptic action of Kousheyashma Bhasma

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases. It is characterised by recurrent episodes of disturbance in movement, sensation and consciousness. With the increased incidence rate of epilepsy, a number of treatment modalities as well as formulations are being developed in recent years. In Ayurveda also many formulations are available for the treatment of epilepsy. However, there is a search of formulations which can show quick and longstanding efficacy on epilepsy. Kousheyashma is a mineral drug used in Ayurveda pharmaceutics. It is yellowish white and is identified as asbestos. Magnesium, calcium and silicate are the chief chemical entity of this drug. It is an easily and abundantly available mineral in India. The Bhasma is economic as the pharmaceutical processing of it is easy. In the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of this drug, it is mentioned that it has anti-epileptic activity. However, there is no substantial evidence to prove the antiepileptic activity of Kousheyashma. Hence, the present study was undertaken to experimentally evaluate the efficacy of Kousheyashma Bhasma in epilepsy. Antiepileptic activity was evaluated in Swiss albino mice by two methods namely Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure method and kindling PTZ-induced seizure method. Mice selected based on exclusion and inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into five groups. Mice were subjected to chemo convulsions by injecting PTZ intraperitoneally and observed for 35 min to analyse convulsion behaviours. Kousheyashma Bhasma has shown statistically significant results in PTZ-induced epileptic symptoms in Swiss albino mice.