Amelioration of Haloperidol-induced Orofacial Dyskinesia and Catalepsy by Ellagic Acid in Rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ellagic acid on haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy in Wistar male albino rats and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms for these effects. Haloperidol (1 mg/kg, ip) was administered on 21 successive days to induce orofacial dyskinesia in rats. Ellagic acid (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, po) was administered for 21 successive days to separate groups of haloperidol treated rats. Haloperidol significantly induced orofacial dyskinesia in rats as indicated by increase in vacuous chewing movements and tongue protrusions. It also increased duration of catalepsy and decreased locomotor activity of rats. Ellagic acid significantly reversed haloperidol-induced vacuous chewing movements, tongue protrusions, catalepsy and hypolocomotion in rats and significantly ameliorated haloperidol-induced decrease in brain dopamine and serotonin levels. Ellagic acid significantly attenuated haloperidol-induced orofacial dyskinesia and catalepsy, probably through increase in brain dopamine and serotonin levels. Thus, ellagic acid may be explored further for its potential in the management of neurolepticinduced tardive dyskinesia and Parkinsonism.