METHODS: In the present study, the dried roots of Hemidesmusindicus were crushed to a coarse powder and extracted with water under reflux for 36 hours to obtain the aqueous extract of roots of Hemidesmusindicus (AERHI). The extract was reconstituted in 2% aqueous tragacanth just before use and administered orally at a dose 0f 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. In a single dose study, the parameters were assessed after oral administration of the single dose of the AERHI, whereas in a multiple dose study, the animals daily received the suitable oral dose of the AERHI for a period of 30 days. The parameters were assessed on the 15th and 30th day. The antipsychotic activity was screened using Apomorphine induced Stereotyped behavior in rats and Haloperidol induced catalepsy models were used. In Apomorphine induced Stereotyped behavior inhibition of the Stereotyped behavior was considered to be anti-psychotic activity and in Haloperidol induced catalepsy, we observed whether the AERHI potentate or attenuate the catalepsy in rats.
RESULTS: In this study, the extract of Hemidesmusindicus significantly inhibited the stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine in rats and also potentiate the catalepsy induced by haloperidol, thereby showing its anti-psychotic activity.
CONCLUSION: All these observations imply that Hemidesmusindicus extract possesses anti-psychotic activity in experimental animals.
METHODS: The behavioral and neurophysiological effects of MFA were investigated in mice with and without FMZ pre-treatment. The elevated zero maze (EZM) and marble burying tests were used to assess anxiety-like behaviors and burying activities, respectively. The standard bar test was used to evaluate catalepsy, while the actophotometer test was used to measure locomotor activity. Seizure intensity was scored, and fatalities were counted.
RESULTS: Without FMZ pre-treatment, MFA induced behavioral and neurophysiological effects in a dose-dependent manner as follows: At a dose of 20 mg/kg, i.p, MFA-treated mice exhibited anxiety-like behaviors, which was determined by a significant increase in the time spent in the closed areas and a significant decrease in the number of entries to the open areas of the EZM apparatus. These mice also showed a significant decrease in the burying activity, manifested as a significant decrease in the number of buried marbles. At 40 mg/kg, i.p., MFA-treated mice showed catalepsy that was associated with a significant decrease in locomotor activity. At a dose of 80 mg/kg, i.p., mice developed fatal tonic-clonic seizures (seizure score = 4). Pre-treatment with FMZ (5 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reversed the anxiety-like behaviors and restored marble-burying activity. Additionally, FMZ prevented catalepsy, significantly restored locomotor activity, reduced seizure intensity (seizure score = 0.3) and significantly reduced mortalities.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study's findings indicate that activation of the GABAAR is involved in the CNS toxicity of MFA, and FMZ reverses MFA toxicity by interfering with this receptor.