Comparative Evaluation of In-vitro Cytotoxic and Neuroactive Effects ofZinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Tribulus terrestris Extract

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological illness characterized by recurring seizures that is commonly treated with long-termmedicine, such as carbamazepine, which might have negative effects. Because of their potential neuroprotective andanticonvulsant properties, alternative medicines derived from medicinal plants and nanotechnology are gaining popularity.The purpose of this work was to examine the anticonvulsant-like characteristics of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs),carbamazepine, and Tribulus terrestris ethanolic extract on human neuroblastoma cells SHSY5Y (CRL-2266). T. terrestrisextract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction and subjected to phytochemical screening. Zinc acetate and T. terrestrisextract were used to generate ZnO NPs, which were then evaluated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-visible spectroscopy,and zeta potential analysis. ZnO NPs, carbamazepine, and plant extract were evaluated for cytotoxicity at doses of 20-100μg/mL using MTT assays. Morphological alterations were detected using microscopy. All test samples demonstrated dose-dependent decrease of cell viability. At 100 μg/mL, ZnO NPs exhibited the highest inhibition (22.79%), followed by T.terrestris extract (20.95%) and carbamazepine (11.87%). Morphological changes were noticeable in nanoparticle-treatedcells.The data indicate that ZnO nanoparticles and T. terrestris extract have potential anticonvulsant capabilities thatwarrant further research through in vivo and mechanistic studies.