Coumarins as potential supportive medication for the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders, is a chronic disease of the brain manifested by seizures due to sudden, spontaneous bioelectrical discharges in nerve cells. An estimated 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy. Antiepileptic drugs are the mainstream treatment for epilepsy; however, the drug resistance occurring in 20-30% of patients and side effects of available medications have resulted in a search for natural remedies that can support disease therapy. Coumarins may be a promising option. They are a group of natural plant-derived substances of great interest due to their broad spectrum of biological activities, including potent pharmacological properties. Recent data from experimental models demonstrates the possibility for coumarin use as a supporting treatment of epileptic seizures. This article focuses on the most recent research reports available in the literature relating to the use of several selected coumarins in different experimental models of epilepsy.