Abstract
Objectives Morin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties. Studies have shown that flavones modulate neurotransmission through enhancement
of gamma amino butyric acid activity in the central nervous system; which led to the
hypothesis that they could exert tranquilizing effects in rodents. Hence, this study
was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic effect of morin on experimental animal
models.
Methods The antipsychotic effect of morin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally
(i.p.) was assessed on novelty-induced locomotion, apomorphine-induced stereotypy,
ketamine-induced stereotypy, ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion and ketamine-enhanced
immobility in forced swim test (FST). Catalepsy and rota rod tests were also carried
out to evaluate the extrapyramidal side effects of morin.
Results Morin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) pretreatments significantly (p<0.05) demonstrated
anti-schizophrenia-like behavior by inhibiting ketamine-induced hyperlocomotion in
mice. Moreover, morin (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (p<0.05) reduced spontaneous
locomotor activity. Also, morin suppressed apomorphine-induced stereotypy and ketamine-induced
stereotypy. The increase in immobility in FST due to ketamine administration was reduced
by morin in a significant dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the antipsychotic activity
of morin was not associated with extrapyramidal side effects, as evidenced by decreased
decent latency and increased motoric coordination and performance in mice.
Conclusion The results of the study revealed that morin demonstrated antipsychotic-like property
devoid of extrapyramidal side effects in experimental animal models and may be beneficial
in the treatment of schizophrenia-like behaviors; particularly in patients with behavioral
hyperactivity and negative symptoms.
Key words
psychosis - schizophrenia - antipsychotics - morin - antioxidant - behavioral pharmacology