Effect of Extractive Phytoconstituents of Limonia acidissma Linn. and their probable mechanism against Phenothiazine Induced Extra Pyramidal Side Effects

Aim: The present study investigated the preventive effect and probable mechanism of ethanolic extract of Limonia acidissima (EELA) stem bark as compared to standard (L-dopa) in phenothiazine induced extra pyramidal side effects (catatonia) in experimental rats. The acute as well as chronic dose of chlorpromazine (CPZ) was administered to induce catatonia. Settings and Design: In case of acute study all the animals receive CPZ (8 mg/ kg) only on the 7th day followed by prior treatment of EELA whereas in chronic study all the animals receives CPZ (3 mg/kg) OD for 21 days followed by prior treatment with EELA for 21 days. Body temperature, Catatonic score, Muscle grip strength and locomotor responses were measured to evaluate the extrapyramidal side effects (EPS). Methods and Material: The animals were divided into four groups in Control(CPZ)as Group1, Standard treated (L-dopa+CPZ) as Group 2, Test (extract 100 mg/kg+CPZ) as Group 3 and 200 mg/kg body weight as Group 4 and the effect of extract was evaluated in acute as well as chronic induced EPS in experimental rats. Results: Pretreatment with EELA at 200 mg/kg significantly increased the muscle grip strength, decreased the catatonic severity and increased the locomotor effect as compared to control. Increased body temperature (Hyperthermia) indicates that the action of extract is similar as atropine. Conclusion: The statics clearly shows that the EELA stem bark was shown dose dependent anti-catatonic potential in CPZ induced acute and chronic catatonia.