Anticonvulsant Effect of Methanolic Leaf Extract Of Luffa Cylindrica In The Maximal Electro Shock Model Supported by In Silico Analysis Of Its Major Phytoconstituents (In Vivo In Silico Anticonvulsant Activity Of Luffa Cylindrica)

Background: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder identifiable by recurrent seizures from abnormal neuronal discharges, leads to mental and physical impairment. Luffa cylindrica L. (Cucurbitaceae) is known for diverse pharmacological activities, but its anticonvulsant potential remains explored insufficiently. Objective:This research was aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant efficacy of the methanolic extract of Luffa cylindrica L(METL) leaves using both in vivo and in silico approaches. Methods:Mice received extract amounts of 0.20 g/kg and 0.40 g/kg body weight, and convulsions were induced using the maximal electroshock (MES) model. Phenytoin sodium served as a standard drug. In silico studies assessed interactions of bioactive compounds with γ-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABA-A) receptors and carbonic anhydrase-II (CA-II) using molecular docking, ADMET prediction, free binding energy analysis, and MD simulations. Results:The extract significantly reduced seizure duration in the MES model, showing efficacy comparable to phenytoin. Docking and simulation analyses revealed strong binding affinities of Furaneol, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, and hexadecanoic acid, 2, 3-dihydroxypropyl ester with GABA_A receptors and CA-II. Conclusion: Luffa cylindrica illustrates promising anticonvulsant potential, possibly mediated via GABAergic modulation and CA-II inhibition, supportes further pharmacological evaluation.