Context: Reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia is an animal model of tardive dyskinesia which may be associated with neurodegeneration and free radical damage.
Aim: The aim was to assess the neuroprotective potential and in vivo antioxidant status of alcoholic extract of roots and rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi (ANJ) and its triterpenes (TNJ) in reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia.
Materials and methods: In the present study, repeated treatment with reserpine (1.0 mg/kg) on each other day for a period of 5 days (days 1, 3, and 5) significantly induced vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) and tongue protrusions (TPs) in rats. The effect on reserpine-induced catalepsy was also studied. The effect of ANJ and TNJ on levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the forebrain region was assessed.
Statistical analysis: All observations were expressed as mean ± SEM. Statistical analysis was performed by the one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test. P<0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: At the end of the treatment schedule, ANJ and TNJ significantly inhibited reserpine-induced VCM, TP, and catalepsy, and significantly increased the locomotion and rearing in the open-field test. Treatment with ANJ and TNJ exhibited significant elevation in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione reductase (GSH) and inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in forebrain region compared to the reserpine treated group.
Conclusions: The study concludes that ANJ and TNJ significantly protected animals against reserpine-induced orofacial dyskinesia as well as catalepsy suggesting its potential value in the treatment of neuroleptic-induced orofacial dyskinesia and Parkinson's disease.
Keywords: Nardostachys jatamansi; oxidative stress; reserpine.