Role of methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus in haloperidol-induced parkinsonism in albino mice-A preliminary study

Objective: To evaluate & establish the antiparkinsonian activity of methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (MEHI) against haloperidol-induced parkinsonism in Swiss albino mice. Materials & Methods: In the present study the MEHI was prepared by successive solvent extraction (Soxhlet apparatus). Two doses i.e. 75 & 100 mg/kg of MEHI were evaluated for antiparkinsonian activity in haloperidol-induced parkinsonism (catalepsy) in albino mice. Benzhexol was used as standard drug (positive control). Results: Pre-treatment of test animals with Hemidesmus indicus (75 & 100 mg/kg i.p) reduced the catalepsy score in haloperidol treated mice. Both the doses i.e. 75 & 100 mg/kg (i.p.) of Hemidesmus indicus showed protective effects against haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Conclusion: The present study suggests that the Hemidesmus indicus has antiparkinsonian activity against haloperidol-induced parkinsonism in albino mice. Phenols and Tannins may be the responsible leads for the present study. Further, in- depth studies are needed to explore & establish the role of Terpenes and Phenolic content of Hemidesmus indicus for their antiparkinsonian mechanisms