Neuroprotective and Anticonvulsant Effects of Guava Leaf Extract (Psidium guajava): Implications for Seizure Management and Cognitive Health

Abstract

Introduction: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that severely impact quality of life. The increasing need for safer and more effective anticonvulsant therapies has led to the exploration of herbal remedies. This study investigates the anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties of Psidium guajava leaf extract using a pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) model of induced seizures in rats. Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a normal control, an epileptic control, a standard drug (Diazepam), and two groups treated with low (200 mg/kg) and high (400 mg/kg) doses of guava leaf extract. After a week of treatment, seizures were induced using PTZ (65 mg/kg), and seizure parameters were recorded. Cognitive function was assessed using the Novel Object Recognition Task. Histopathological evaluations were conducted on the hippocampus, and statistical analyses were performed with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The PTZ group exhibited increased seizure frequency and duration compared to controls, with significant differences (p < 0.05). Both doses of guava leaf extract significantly reduced seizure activity (p < 0.05), with the high dose showing markedly greater efficacy. Cognitive assessments revealed improved memory and habituation indices in extract-treated groups relative to the PTZ control (p < 0.05), while Diazepam treatment resulted in cognitive impairments. Histological analysis revealed severe neurodegeneration in the PTZ group, whereas guava leaf extract groups showed reduced degeneration and better-preserved neuronal architecture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Psidium guajava leaf extract exhibits significant anticonvulsant and neuroprotective properties in a PTZ-induced seizure model, suggesting its potential as a complementary therapy in the management of epilepsy. The findings underscore the need for further studies to explore the extract's mechanisms of action and its applicability in clinical settings.