Protective effect of thymoquinone on chlorpromazine induced catalepsy and locomotor activity in rats

Objective: The in-vivo study was carried out to explore the possible protective effect of thymoquinone on chlorpromazine induced catalepsy and locomotor activity in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty four rats were used for this study and were divided into four groups, each group containing six animals. The animals were evaluated after repeated administration of chlorpromazine (CPZ) 30 minutes before the administration of thymoquinone (TQ) for 14 days. Catalepsy was assessed using block method whereas the locomotor activity was assessed using acceleratory rotarod and actophotometer (activity cage). Results: The cataleptic scores were significantly increased in CPZ treated rats which was significantly decreased in TQ (5 mg/kg & 10 mg/kg) treated rats. The muscle coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity was significantly decreased in CPZ treated rats when compared with normal control rats. Treatment with TQ significantly improved the muscle coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity when compared with CPZ treated rats. Conclusion: Our results clearly suggest that TQ reduced the cataleptic scores and improved locomotor activity in CPZ treated rats. Recommendation: Based on our findings we can hypothesize that supplementation with TQ can be used to avert drug induced extrapyramidal motor side effects.