Ethanolic extract of Erythrina velutina Willd ameliorate schizophrenia-like behavior induced by ketamine in mice
Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine October 12, 2018 N. C. Ximenes, Manuel Alves Dos Santos Junior, G. S. Vasconcelos et al.
An extract from the stem bark of the plant Erythrina velutina (EEEV), known as “mulungu,” reversed schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice that had been induced by repeated ketamine injections. Mice given ketamine for 14 days showed deficits in prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex, hyperlocomotion, and impaired social interaction. When EEEV extract (200 or 400 mg/kg) was given alongside ketamine from days 8 to 14, it reversed these behavioral changes, similar to the effects of the antipsychotic olanzapine. The results suggest EEEV may offer a new avenue for developing schizophrenia treatments.