Introduction: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Although antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) reduce the frequency of epileptic seizures, they can cause renal and hepatic damage. Several preclinical studies have indicated that Emblica officinalis Gaertn (AMLA) exerts an anticonvulsant effect related to its tannin and polyphenol content. Objective: We aim to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of chronic oral AMLA administration and its impact on biochemical and hematological parameters in rats. Methods: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (250 to 300 g) were divided into four experimental groups (n = 7): vehicle (purified water), AMLA (500 and 700 mg/kg), and carbamazepine (CBZ) (300 mg/kg) as the pharmacological control of anticonvulsant activity. Treatments were administered orally every 24 hours for 28 days, while carbamazepine was administered every 48 hours for 5 days before the behavioral, biochemical, and hematological test. On day 29, Status epilepticus (SE) was induced using the lithium-pilocarpine model (3 mEq/kg, i. p. and 30 mg/kg, s. c.), after which the behavioral and biochemical effects were evaluated. Results: The AMLA 500 mg/kg and CBZ 300 mg/kg groups presented fewer phase V seizures than the vehicle group did. None of the treatments modified biochemical or hematological parameters. Conclusion: AMLA could be considered as a potential alternative therapy for the treatment of epilepsy.

Background: Tartrazine (TZ) has been linked to hyperactivity in children, as well as to kidney and liver damage. Furthermore, naringenin (NG) is a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may mitigate the damage caused by TZ. Methods: Four independent groups were used, each consisting of seven male Wistar rats—vehicle VEH (saline solution/DMSO, 0.600 mL; IP), TZ (150 mg/kg; IP), NG (100 mg/kg; IP), and TZ + NG (150 mg/kg; 100 mg/kg; IP). For 28 days, treatments were administered every 24 h, and the behavioral effects were evaluated via the open field and Rotarod tests. At the end of the behavioral tests, biochemical and histological analyses of the liver, kidney, and intestine were performed. Results: In the open field test, TZ decreased the number of crossings and rearing behaviors, which was attenuated in NG. The number of grooming behaviors was significantly reduced by TZ, while the duration of this behavior did not significantly differ between the treatment groups. In Rotarod, the TZ group presented less coordination than the other groups. In the TZ group, all parameters included in the liver and kidney function tests showed a significant increase compared to normal levels, reflecting a pathological condition in those organs. On the other hand, groups TZ + NG were within the reference intervals. Treatment with NG reduced the damage caused by TZ. Finally, in the histological analysis, damage to liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues was observed in the TZ groups, whereas treatment with NG mitigated the cellular damage caused by TZ. Conclusions: Naringenin exhibited a protective effect as it restored liver and kidney parameters to normal levels and demonstrated a predominant preservation of the histological architecture of the liver, kidney, and intestine. In this regard, the protective effect observed could be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties described for naringenin. However, further research is still needed to validate the use of naringenin as a potential candidate for improving renal and hepatic function, based on mechanistic studies.

Introduction: Spontaneous and recurrent epileptic seizures cause neuroinflammation, whereas the chronic administration of antiepileptic drugs may lead to hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Investigating natural compounds such as naringenin, which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, could mitigate these toxic effects. However, whether naringenin delays seizure onset through anti-inflammatory mechanisms remains unclear. Objective: We evaluated the anticonvulsant effect of subchronic naringenin administration and its impact on inflammatory biomarkers in rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): vehicle (10% DMSO), naringenin (50 mg/kg), naringenin (100 mg/kg), and diazepam (4 mg/kg). Treatments were administered once daily for ten days through the intraperitoneal route. On day 11, status epilepticus (SE) was induced via the lithium-pilocarpine model. One hour after SE onset, cardiac blood was collected, and the serum was analyzed via ELISA to quantify the following inflammatory markers: superoxide dismutase (SOD), C-reactive protein (CRP), carbonyl protein, and nitrite/nitrate. Results: We found that 100 mg/kg naringenin increased the latency to SE and the first generalized seizure and shortened the duration of generalized seizures. Fifty percent of the rats in the 100 mg/kg naringenin group did not develop SE. The group treated with 100 mg/kg naringenin demonstrated reduced levels of CRP, protein carbonyls, and nitrates; conversely, the inhibition of SOD activity increased. Conclusions: Naringenin exerted anticonvulsant activity associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory plasma biomarkers, suggesting its potential utility in the future development of alternative treatments to reduce epilepsy symptoms.