USE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FOR TREATMENT AND/OR PREVENTION OF EPILEPSY: AN EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY

In recent years there has been an increase in the search for new therapeutic agents using medicinal plants for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, so herbal studies are recognized as being very perspective in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Among these pathologies can be described epilepsy one of most common neurological disorders, with a prevalence rate of 5%. Most of this context, the aim of this work was to trace the research already developed and patented results, evaluating the uses of medicinal plants in management of clinical symptoms of epilepsy by mapping the patent databases of National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Bank European Patent Office (EPO) and Bank of America Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It was possible to observe a small number of patents related to medicinal plants and their applicability in treatment of epilepsy. We also noticed that in last 10 years the number of patent applications filed at the EPO and PCT bases represent 51 and 45%, respectively, of total existing patent being allocated mainly in subclass A61K (preparations for medical purposes, or dental hygiene). However, there is a great need for discovery of new therapeutic options in treatment of epileptogenesis. As well, there is a technological gap to be filled and a promising field for research and development of technological innovations.