Antipsychotic activity of embelin isolated from Embelia ribes : A preliminary study

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy 2017-06, Vol.90, p.328-331
• Main Authors: Durg, Sharanbasappa, B., Naveen Kumar, Vandal, Ravichandra, Dhadde, Shivsharan B, Thippeswamy, B.S, Veerapur, Veeresh P, Badami, Shrishailappa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antipsychotic Agents - pharmacology; Apomorphine - pharmacology; Benzoquinones - pharmacology; Brain - drug effects; Brain - metabolism; Dopamine; Embelia - chemistry; Embelia ribes; Embelin; Internal Medicine; Medical Education; Mice; Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism; Noradrenaline; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Psychotic behaviour; Psychotic Disorders - drug therapy; Psychotic Disorders - metabolism; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Serotonin
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.03.085

Abstract Background Embelia ribes is claimed in Indian traditional medical practice to be useful in the treatment of nervous diseases. Embelin, an alkyl substituted hydroxy benzoquinone, is a major active constituent of E. ribes . The present preliminary study was intended to evaluate antipsychotic activity of embelin against apomorphine-induced climbing behaviour in mice and stereotyped behaviour in rats. Methods Two doses of embelin (5 and 10 mg/kg) were administered once daily for 15 days before exposure to apomorphine. On the concluding day of pre-treatment, after apomorphine-injection, the rodents were assessed for climbing and stereotyped behaviours according to the published scoring system. Thereafter, neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) levels were estimated in rodent brains. Results Embelin pre-treatment significantly inhibited apomorphine-induced climbing and stereotyped behaviours in mice and rats, respectively. Further, embelin also statistically reversed elevated levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain of mice and rats. Embelin showed more significant results at high dose (10 mg/kg) than low dose (5 mg/kg) in both the tested models. Conclusion Considering the present pharmacological profile of embelin, it is suggested that embelin possesses antipsychotic activity in the treatment of psychotic disorders. However, further research is warranted for evaluating its exact mechanism of action.