A team of neuroscientists at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is investigating the potential of a compound found in caraway seeds as a treatment for seizures in children. This innovative research could change the landscape of seizure medications, as the team aims to transform carvone, a chemical component in caraway seeds, into effective and safe pharmaceuticals.
In collaboration with scientists from New Mexico State University, UNLV associate professors of neuroscience Rochelle Hines and Dustin Hines are developing a new class of medicines that mimic the effects of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD has gained popularity over the last decade, largely due to its effectiveness in treating seizures, despite limited evidence for other health claims. The researchers have reported promising results from their studies, indicating that the compounds derived from caraway seeds may offer a viable alternative to existing treatments.
The process of seizure occurrence involves abnormal brain activity, leading to symptoms such as unconsciousness and muscle spasms. Adriana Carrillo, an undergraduate at UNLV and co-author of a study published on September 24, 2023, observed the neurological effects of seizures in mice. Using a compound light microscope, she noted an “overabundance” of brain connections that contributed to heightened activity in seizure-prone mice.
Traditionally, benzodiazepines have been used to treat seizures by suppressing overall brain activity. However, this approach can be detrimental to young patients, whose brains require a certain level of activity for healthy development. The only FDA-approved CBD-based drug for seizures, Epidiolex, comes with restrictive guidelines for use in children. Motivated by these limitations, the Hineses and their colleagues began exploring the therapeutic potential of CBD-like compounds sourced from caraway seeds.
Rochelle Hines explained their approach, stating, “As you change the chemical structure, you change how it interacts with different targets or receptors, and we found something that might have a better fit for the receptors than even CBD did.” The preliminary findings from their research indicate that a caraway seed-derived compound could significantly reduce the risk of seizures in affected mice. Carrillo reported that the number of excessive brain connections decreased to normal levels in these animals, resulting in a zero mortality rate among those treated with the compound—an outcome that Dustin Hines described as “really impressive.”
The research team plans to conduct further testing to understand the mechanisms behind their findings and to assess any effects on other organs in the mice. Should these investigations prove successful, the next phase will involve human trials, a crucial step toward obtaining approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The implications of this research extend beyond seizure treatment. Dustin Hines mentioned that, among the hundreds of compounds derived from caraway seeds, they had anticipated only one or two would show therapeutic promise. Instead, they have identified approximately seven compounds that could lead to the development of a new range of CBD-like medications. He remarked, “Our biggest worry here is we have too much. So, where are we going to end up with this? I actually don’t know.”
As the research continues, Carrillo emphasized the importance of delving deeper into how these modified CBD compounds interact at the molecular level. Understanding the effects on protein alterations and specific brain cell connections will be vital. “Answering these questions here in the lab builds a foundation for families having accessibility to safe and effective therapeutics one day in the future,” she stated.
The ongoing work at UNLV and New Mexico State University holds significant promise for transforming the treatment landscape for childhood seizures and potentially paving the way for new therapies for various medical conditions.