Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that affect about 1% of the global population. Studies have shown that the plant possesses numerous pharmacological activities and could be beneficial in managing schizophrenia. Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the actions of C. singueana extract on the ketamine-induced behavioral deficit in mice. Method: Acute toxicity profiling was performed as stated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 425) at the dose of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. Oral doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of C. singueana extract were used for efficacy studies in the ketamine-induced behavioral deficit studies. Cognitive function was evaluated using open field (OFT), Y-maze (Y-M), novel object recognition tests (NORT) and forced swim test (FST). The brain tissues were evaluated for the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) using standard laboratory techniques. Results: The oral median lethal dose of C. singueana extract was determined to be greater or equal to 5000 mg/kg in mice. The extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the recognition index and spontaneous alternation in NORT and Y-M respectively. The extract considerably shortened the duration of immobility and hyperlocomotion in FST and OFT respectively. The plant also improved the level of antioxidant enzymes in the brain tissue. Conclusion: Cassia singueana extract is relatively safe after acute administration and possesses an antischizophrenic effect in ketamine-induced schizophrenic mice.

Keywords: Schizophrenia, Cognitive deficit, Ketamine, Cassia singueana, Oxidative stress