Protective effect of Hypericum hookerianum in reversing haloperidol induced schizophrenia-like behaviors in Swiss albino mice

A major mental disorder that affects young people, schizophrenia ( Greek “split mind”) is characterized by a variety of symptoms including but not limited to , loss of contact with reality, bizarre behaviour, disorganized thinking, speech, decreased emotional expressiveness ,loss of contact with reality and society and long-lasting, not completely successful treatment. Anti-psychotics are the drugs used to treat schizophrenia. Typical anti-psychotics like haloperidol produce serious side effects leading to patient noncompliance and loss of quality of life. These side effects are due to pro-oxidant property of haloperidol which causes oxidative stress induced neuronal damage. Herbs have been shown to have neuroprotective potential especially those belonging to Hypericum species Hypericum hookerianum has proven neuroprotective potential and is being used in folk medicine by ethnic communities to treat mental illnesses. However scientific validation of the healing properties of this plant has so far been lacking. It is in view of this,the current study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of Hypericum hookerianum in reversing haloperidol induced schizophrenia-like behaviors in Swiss albino mice. Haloperidol was administered to mice (2.5mg/kg i.p -0.4ml from the prepared stock solution) for a period of 21 days. All the behavioral assessment was carried out 24 h after the last dose of haloperidol. The behavioral assessments were observed on 2nd, 7th, 14th and 22nd day of treatment with Haloperidol. Ethanolic extract of Hypericum hookerianum (EEHH) at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kg treated groups were compared with Haloperidol treated group. Results of pre pulse inhibition, locomotor activity, plus maze performance and stair case tests have showed that the Hypericum hookerianum shows a lot of potential in the treatment of diminishing catatonic schizophrenia related behaviours. The major phytocostituents like flavanoids, polyphenols, saponins etc., present in the plant is believed to have the neuroprotective effect.