ANTIPSYCHOTIC AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF HYDRO METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF ICACINA TRICHANTHA OLIV.

ABSTRACT

Psychosis is a severe mental disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations and cognitive impairments often linked to excessive dopamine activity in the brain. Conventional antipsychotic drugs like haloperidol, though effective, present significant side effects. Icacina trichantha Oliv., a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine, contains bioactive compounds with potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. This study evaluates its antipsychotic and antioxidant activities, supporting its potential therapeutic use. Fresh leaves of Icacina trichantha were collected, air-dried and extracted using a hydro-methanol solvent. The extract’s antipsychotic effect was assessed using an amphetamine-induced psychosis model in male albino mice, with stereotypic behaviours recorded. Its antioxidant properties were evaluated in vitro using DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, superoxide radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. The extract exhibited dose-dependent antipsychotic effects, with the 400 mg/kg dose significantly reducing amphetamine-induced psychotic behaviours, comparable to haloperidol. Antioxidant assay demonstrated high free radical scavenging activity, confirming the presence of potent antioxidative compounds. These findings suggest that Icacina trichantha possesses strong antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties, supporting its traditional use in treating neurological disorders.