EVALUATION OF MULTITARGETED ANTIPSYCHOTIC ACTIVITY OF UNMADGAJAKESARI – A HERBOMINERAL FORMULATION – AN ANIMAL EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Schizophrenia is a chronic and complex mental disorder characterized by hallucinations and delusions that significantly affect emotions, behavior, and mental processes. Currently used antipsychotics are characterized by the multireceptor mode of action (antagonism of dopamine D2 and serotonin receptors), there is no consensus regarding an “ideal” target engagement. Moreover, they are associated with adverse effects. Presently the focus is on the search for safe and efficacious drugs from the traditional system of medicine. In the present study, an attempt has been made to evaluate the multitarget antipsychotic activity of Unmadgajakesari – A herbomineral formulation in animal models. Unmadgajakesari (UGK) was evaluated for its effect on dopaminergic, serotonergic and NMDA activity in the following animal models: Inhibition of apomorphine-induced climbing in mice (dopamine), Inhibition of 5-HTP induced head twitches in mice (serotonin), Antagonism of MK-801induced hyperlocomotion (NMDA) in mice. For studying each neurotransmitter, animals were divided into 6 groups, each group comprising of 6 animals. Group I – Normal control, Group II – Vehicle control (ghrita), Group III – Drug control (positive control). In test groups (IV-VI), UGK was administered in doses 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in mice. All the drugs were given orally for 8 days. Readings were taken on day 1 and 8. On day 1, UGK exhibited significant antidopaminergic, antiserotonergic, and NMDA enhancing activity. However, on day 8 antidopaminergic and NMDA activity was reduced, whereas antiserotonergic activity continued. The activity profile of UGK changes from day 1 to day 8. UGK was found to be most effective in low dose.