Gopalakrishna Hn

Effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum on haloperidol-induced catalepsy in albino mice

Neuroleptic drugs used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other affective disorders are known to produce extrapyramidal side effects. Catalepsy induced by these drugs in

Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of NR-ANX-C (a polyherbal formulation) and its individual constituents in reversing haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice

Objective : To evaluate the possible role of the antioxidant activity of the polyherbal formulation, NR-ANX-C and its individual components in reversing haloperidol-induced catalepsy in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods : Catalepsy was induced with haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p) in 13 groups of male albino mice (n = 6 / group). Three groups received NR-ANX-C (10, 25, 50 mg/kg), three groups received Withania somnifera (1.7, 4.25, 8.5 mg/kg), another three groups Ocimum sanctum (1.7, 4.25, 8.5 mg/kg), three other groups Camellia sinensis (3.4, 8.5, 17 mg/kg) and one group received the vehicle (1% Gum acacia) orally, 30 minutes prior to haloperidol administration, for a duration of seven days. Animals were sacrificed on the seventh day and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was estimated in the brain. Results : A significant (P < 0.01) reduction in the cataleptic scores was observed in all the drug-treated groups as compared to the control, with maximum reduction in the NR-ANX-C 25 mg/kg group. Similarly, a reduction in SOD activity was observed in the NR-ANX-C-, O. sanctum- and the W. somnifera-treated groups. An increase in SOD activity was observed in the C. sinensis-treated groups. Conclusion : With the exception of C. sinensis, the antioxidant potential of NR-ANX-C and its individual constituents has contributed to the reduction in the oxidative stress and the catalepsy induced by haloperidol administration.

Co-administration of haloperidol and drugs affecting the angiotensin pathway: effect on the extrapyramidal system.

The present study investigates the extrapyramidal effects of co-administration of enalapril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) or losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker) with haloperidol in mice. Enalapril/losartan (as a suspension in 1% gum acacia) was administered by oral gavage and haloperidol was administered as an intraperitoneal injection to all the animals for seven days. Catalepsy was measured 30 min after the administration of haloperidol (1 mg/kg i.p.) on days 1 and 7. Observations on day 1 constituted the acute study (single dose administration) and observations on day 7, constituted the chronic study (repeated dose administration). Both acute and chronic administration of enalapril/losartan produced an increase in the duration of haloperidol induced catalepsy at the highest dose (20 mg/kg). Enalapril produced a more pronounced increase in the duration of catalepsy as compared to losartan on both acute and chronic administration. Results of our study suggest that co-administration of anti-psychotics and drugs affecting the angiotensin system can lead to an increase in motor side effects and therefore should be used with caution in patients with these co-morbid conditions.