Within a UNLV laboratory, neuroscientists Rochelle and Dustin Hines are leading research with the potential to revolutionize seizure treatment for children. Their focus is on carvone, a compound found in caraway seeds—a common kitchen spice. By transforming carvone into molecules similar to cannabidiol (CBD), the team aims to develop safer, more effective medications for controlling seizures.
CBD, derived from cannabis, is currently used to treat certain types of seizures, but its use in children is limited by restrictive FDA guidelines. Inspired by the success of CBD in seizure control, the Hineses and collaborators at New Mexico State University sought out alternative sources for CBD-like compounds. Carvone from caraway seeds offered a promising starting point, allowing the team to chemically modify it and produce a diverse array of new molecules.
Their research has already yielded encouraging results. In studies with seizure-prone mice, one of the caraway-derived compounds not only reduced the number of abnormal brain connections associated with seizures but also dropped the mortality rate to zero in the treated group. These findings suggest the new drug could control seizures without the broad suppression of brain activity seen with current treatments such as benzodiazepines, which can negatively impact brain development in children.
The team has identified several promising compounds from hundreds of possible variations, indicating a rich field for the development of future medications. While their immediate focus is on pediatric seizure disorders, the researchers believe these new molecules may eventually be effective for other neurological conditions.
As their work continues, the team is investigating how these compounds interact with brain proteins and neural connections and ensuring their safety before moving to human trials. The ultimate goal is to provide families with safe, accessible, and effective treatments for seizures and possibly other disorders, changing the landscape of neuropharmacology.