The multifaceted therapeutic potential of valproic acid beyond CNS axis

Valproic acid is widely used as an anti-epileptic globally. Anti-epileptic action is mediated by Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) receptors. In past and recently, several other clinical outcomes have been proposed by various studies. These under-reported clinical actions apart from anti-epileptic activity are mediated by various intracellular and extracellular pathways. Several mechanisms like Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines, angiogenesis inhibition and many more justifies its possible use in variety of disorders like diabetes mellitus, asthma, cancer, shock, hyperlipidemia, fibrosis etc. Present review throws some light on such under-reported, clinically beneficial effects of Valproic acid in various diseases and disorders.