Epilepsy is a serious neurological disorder that affects 50 million people worldwide. Conventional antiepileptic drugs are coupled with several adverse effects and contraindications. Herbal agents that possess antiepileptic potential could be a better alternative to conventional medicine with minimal or no adverse effects. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiepileptic effects of combined herbal extract of Brassica nigra and Swertia chirata, in comparison with standard drugs in pentylenetetrazole model of seizure. Methodology: Wistar albino rats (weighing 180-220 gram) were randomly divided into 6 groups having 6 animals in each group. Group 1: Control (DMSO 10%, 10ml/kg b.w, p.o), Group 2: Diazepam 10 mg/kgp.o; Group 3: Valproic acid 300 mg/kgp.o; Group 4: Brassica nigra(BN) 250 mg/kg and Swertia chirata (SC) 250 mg/kgp.o; Group 5: BN 250 mg/kg and SC 500 mg/kg p.o; Group 6: BN 500 mg/kg and SC 250 mg/kg p.o. Results: In pentylenetetrzole model; group 4, significantly delayed the onset (p=0.01) and duration of seizures (p=0.003) as compared to control. In group 5, the onset of seizure was significantly delayed (p=0.000, p=0.01) as compared to control and diazepam respectively; while, duration of seizure was increased (p=0.003) as compared to valproic acid. In group 6; the onset of seizure was significantly delayed (p=0.000, 0.000) as compared to control and diazepam; whereas, duration of seizure was significantly decreased (p=0.007) as compared to control. Conclusion: On the basis of these results, we can conclude that the herbal combinations possess antiseizure potential.

Key words: Epilepsy, Brassica nigra, swertia chirata, seizures, PTZ.