Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat epilepsy

Epilepsy is a long-term neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world. This problem is especially serious in low- and middle-income countries, where access to modern antiepileptic drugs is limited. This chapter lists 30 medicinal plant species from 25 botanical families, including Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica, Withania somnifera, Datura stramonium and Zingiber officinale. These plants have traditionally been used to manage epileptic seizures in various cultures and locations. The most commonly used parts of the plants are roots, leaves, bark, seeds and rhizomes. They are often prepared as decoctions, fresh juices, powders and infusions, with most being taken orally. Important chemical compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids found in these plants are thought to contribute to their ability to prevent seizures. This collection of traditional knowledge provides a solid basis for future research aimed at creating new, safe and affordable treatments for epilepsy.