Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANTI-PSYCHOTIC EFFECT OF MORINDA CITRIFOLIA IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Dr. J. Premalatha*, Dr. M. Nandhini Priya, Dr. R. Mani

ABSTRACT

Background: Psychosis is one of the serious mental health disorders. Because of poor efficacy and potential adverse effects of current anti-psychotic treatment, there is a need for alternative medicines with less adverse effects and good efficacy.[1] Aim & objective: To evaluate the anti-psychotic effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni fruit) in swiss albino mice. Materials and methods: 24 Swiss Albino mice of either sex of weight 25-30 g were selected from central animal house of Coimbatore Medical college. Animals were divided into 4 groups with 6 animals in each group. Group A received distilled water (10ml/kg), Group B received Haloperidol (2mg/kg), Group C & D received processed Noni fruit juice (5g/kg) and (10g/kg) respectively.[1] The test drug was given for 3 weeks. To induce stereotype behavior Apomorphine was administered to all the groups after the standard and the control drugs on the day of examination. Climbing behavior of the mice in a metal cage was noted after administration the drugs and Apomorphine which was expressed as climbing index. Other safety parameters and changes in the autonomic activity were also noted. Results: There was reduction of climbing index in the test drug group. Mean Climbing index of Group A – 21.3, Group B – 2, Group C – 11.66 & Group D – 9.5. Conclusion: In addition to numerous properties, Noni fruit also possess anti-psychotic like activity and this is evident from this study.

Keywords: Antipsychotic behavior, Apomorphine, Climbing index, Haloperidol, Noni fruit.