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Treating Epilepsy Naturally with Turmeric

Turmeric compounds may help safely reduce seizures.

Research suggests turmeric is a natural herbal remedy for epilepsy, a chronic condition that causes recurring seizures. Some types of seizures, and the drugs to treat them, can also result in learning and memory problems. Studies show that turmeric compounds can also help improve the effectiveness of anti-epileptic drugs. Turmeric could allow lower doses of these drugs too, which would reduce their negative side effects. (iv.3, 161)

Causes of Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder worldwide. Environment and genetics can both play a role, but the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy are still not thoroughly understood. This may be why conventional anticonvulsant drugs to control seizures are often only minimally effective. (iv.3, 164)

Similar to other brain disorders, overexcited brain cells are an important factor in triggering seizures. Conditions or injuries can cause overexcitement and imbalanced neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. These include: (iv.3, 165)

The excitotoxicity in the brain makes multiple neurons abnormally send out electrical impulses all at once—causing a seizure. Epileptic seizures create further imbalance neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and cortex regions of the brain and can cause neuron brain cells to die. (iv.166)

What Are Neurotransmitters and Excitotoxicity?

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The brain uses compounds such as amino acids to transmit signals between cells in the brain called neurons. These chemical signals are how the cells communicate with each other, and are necessary for the brain to function. When the amino acids act as signaling molecules they are called neurotransmitters. Some, such as glutamate, are considered excitatory neurotransmitters. Excitatory means when they bind to receptors on the neuron receiving the signal they activate an electrical impulse. This impulse triggers the receiving neuron to release more neuro- transmitters. (iv.162, 163)

Other neurotransmitters (such as GABA) are inhibitory. When they bind to neurons they stop them from producing an electrical impulse and releasing more neurotransmitters. In effect, inhibitory neurotransmitters naturally regulate the activity of excitatory ones. (iv.162, 163)

However, sometimes chronic disease or injury creates a potentially harmful chemical imbalance. In epilepsy, the brain produces too much glutamate and not enough GABA. This creates an excitotoxic state in the brain, and can induce seizures (and other conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). (iv.162, 163)

Conventional Epilepsy Treatment

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Conventional treatment drugs, such as valproate, normalize the neurotransmitter balances and reduce brain damage. However, anti-epileptic drugs cause toxic side effects. Long-term use of some of these medications can even impair brain functioning. (iv.167)

Which Turmeric Compounds May Help?

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Results of many research studies suggest that taking turmeric supplements or adding the spice to your diet could protect your brain from seizures. According to study evidence, the compounds in turmeric may also provide benefits similar to conventional drugs—but without the potential toxic side effects. (iv.166, 168)

In fact, in animal studies pretreatment with many of the antioxidant compounds found in turmeric helped prevent epilepsy developing after injury or from heavy metal (such as iron) accumulation in the brain. Some turmeric compounds have anticonvulsant properties and may also work to protect brain cells from the harmful chemical changes in the brain caused by seizures. (iv.166, 168)

Benefits of Turmeric Compounds in Epilepsy
TURMERIC COMPOUND STUDY RESULTS

CURCUMIN

Question: How can curcumin help with epilepsy?

Answer: In animal models of epilepsy, research shows curcumin has the following effects:

  • Improves neurochemical changes caused by seizures. (iv.166)
  • Prevents neuron brain cell death. (iv.166)
  • Reduces number of and severity of seizures and other abnormal physical behaviors (such as jerking and increased urination). (iv.167)
  • Pretreatment and concurrent treatment with curcumin improves learning and short-term memory ability (hampered by epilepsy). (iv.167, 169)
  • Relieves symptoms of depression. (iv.167)
  • Increases survival. (iv.167)
  • Reduced levels of CREB are associated with seizures. Curcumin helps stimulate expression of CREB transcription factor in the brain, which in turn increases GABA levels and reduces risk of seizure. (iv.165)
  • Anti-epileptic drugs such as valproate, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, and carbamazepine only reduce seizures. Combining curcumin with lower doses of these drugs prevents the loss of learning and memory abilities caused by seizures. (iv.161)
  • Curcumin helps inhibit seizure-inducing Brain tumors. It also blocks mTOR protein activity that promotes cancer growth and toxic imbalances of glutamate that can lead to seizures. (iv.164, 170)
  • Promotes growth of neurons in hippocampus part of the brain, an area damaged by certain types of epilepsy. (iv.164)

ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID

(an omega-3 fatty acid)

Question: Is alpha-linolenic acid good for epilepsy?

Answer: In patients with epilepsy, research shows alpha-linolenic acid has the following effects:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic acid reduce the frequency of seizures. (iv.164)
  • Lessens excitotoxicity in the brain and helps protect neurons. (iv.164)

ALPHA-TERPINEOL

Question: Can alpha-terpineol help with epilepsy?

Answer: Alpha-terpineol reduces seizures in animal epilepsy models. (iv.171)

AR-TURMERONE

ALPHA- AND BETA-TURMERONES

Question: Are turmerones good for epilepsy?

Answer: Research shows the following possible benefits of turmerones for epilepsy:

  • Turmerones have anticonvulsant properties. (iv.172)
  • Turmeric oil reduces seizures in animal and zebrafish models of epilepsy. Turmerones are the primary components of turmeric oil. (iv.172)

BORNEOL

Question: Can alpha-terpineol help with epilepsy?

Answer: Inhaling essential oils containing high concentrations of borneol delays seizures in epileptic animal models. (iv.126, 159)

CINNAMIC ACID

Question: Can cinnamic acid help with epilepsy?

Answer: Preclinical studies show cinnamic acid has the following effects in the brain:

EUGENOL

Question: Can eugenol help with epilepsy?

Answer: Studies show eugenol has the following effects, which may help people with epilepsy:

GERANIOL

Question: Can geraniol help with epilepsy?

Answer: Research shows herbal oils that contain high amounts of geraniol have anticonvulsant effects. (iv.171)

LIMONENE

Question: Can limonene help with epilepsy?

Answer: Studies show limonene has anticonvulsive properties. (iv.126, 159)

RESVERATROL

Question: Can resveratrol help with epilepsy?

Answer: Preclinical research shows resveratrol has the following effects in the brain, which may help people with epilepsy:

  • Inhibits abnormal electrical activity in brain cells. (iv.164)
  • Reduces frequency of seizures in animal models of epilepsy. (iv.164)
  • Helps prevent neuron damage and death. (iv.164)
  • Blocks mTOR protein activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. (iv.164)

VITAMIN C

Question: Is vitamin C good for epilepsy?

Answer: Research suggests vitamin C's powerful antioxidant protection could help prevent post-traumatic epilepsy. (iv.168)

VITAMIN E

Question: Is vitamin E good for epilepsy?

Answer: Studies indicate alpha-tocopherols' antioxidant properties protect against development of epilepsy after traumatic brain injury. (iv.168)

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