Rosa moschata leaf extract mitigates seizures, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter imbalance in pentylenetetrazol-induced mice

The crippling neurological state, known as epilepsy, is typified by frequent spontaneous seizures and linked to oxidative stress-driven neuronal dysfunction; it presents a significant global health challenge. This study investigates the traditional neuroprotective claims for Rosa moschata by rigorously evaluating the neuroprotective and anticonvulsant potential of its ethanolic leaf extract in a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 35 mg/kg)-induced kindling epilepsy model of mice. Oral administration of Rosa moschata leaf extract (RMLE) at different doses (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) for 3 weeks beside PTZ challenge demonstrated significant, dose-dependent protection. RMLE markedly improved neurobehavioral outcomes, enhancing performance in various behavioral tests, indicating improved cognition, reduced anxiety, and better motor coordination. Crucially, RMLE restored critical neurotransmitter balance, significantly elevating brain levels of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, but suppressing acetylcholinesterase performance. The extract exhibited potent antioxidant efficacy, substantially increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels, while effectively decreasing malondialdehyde and nitrite concentrations, thereby countering PTZ-induced oxidative stress. Histopathological examination of the brain revealed a compelling dose-dependent reduction in neurofibrillary tangles and plaques. Comprehensive safety assessment through liver and kidney function tests (LFT and RFT), complete blood count, and histopathology of the brain, heart, liver, and kidney confirmed no significant adverse effects, highlighting a favorable safety profile. These findings provide robust experimental validation: RMLE possesses significant anti-convulsant activity mediated through multi-faceted mechanisms, including neurotransmitter modulation, potent antioxidant action, mitigation of neuronal pathology, and absence of detectable toxicity, thereby strongly supporting its traditional use and identifying it as a promising candidate for epilepsy management.