The present invention relates to the anti-convulsant activity of turmeric oil and its volatile bisabolene sesquiterpenoids ar- turmerone, α-turmerone, β-turmerone (curlone) and α-atlantone, as an anticonvulsant agent for the treatment of epilepsy and/or as therapeutic agents for the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system, including tremor, pain, mood disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia), and neurodegenerative diseases.