ObjectiveTo observe the effects of Tianjiang Niuhuang Powder on cognition, seizure and hippocampal formation in epileptic model of pilocarpine rats.MethodsFouty SD rats were selected in this study. They were randomly divided into four groups (each group n=10), including a blank control group (group A) and three pilocarpine epilepsy model groups. The model groups were divided into Tianjiang Niuhuang Powder treatment Group (group B), Sodium valproate (group C) and model control group (group D) according to the different processing methods. The seizures number of discharges in the EEG monitor, cognitive ability were observed on the 7th, 14th and 21st day, The pathological sections of the brain and the neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 area were observed after the rats were sacrificed.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the number of spontaneous episodes, duration, and average number of discharges per minute between group B and group C (P>0.05). Compared with groups B and C, group D increased the number of episodes and increased duration. The number of discharges increased, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Group A had no seizures. There were no significant differences in cognitive ability between groups A, B and C (P>0.05). Compared with group A, B and C, group D had poor cognitive ability (P<0.05). The number of surviving cells in the hippocampus CA1 region was significantly improved compared with the D group (P<0.05). Compared with the A group, the viable cells in the hippocampal CA1 region of the three experimental groups were significantly lower (P<0.05).ConclusionsTianjiang Niuhuang Powder can reduce seizures, improve cognition and effectively alleviate neuronal damage in hippocampal CA1 neurons in rats with epilepsy.