Effect of Hypericum perforatum on different models of movement disorders in rats

The effects of Hypericum perforatum, a plant with antidepressant action, were evaluated in models of abnormal movements in rats, brought about by administration of fluphenazine or reserpine. The number of vacuous chewing movements (VCMs) and locomotor activity (the number of crossings and rears in the open field test) were measured. In experiment 1, rats received a single administration of fluphenazine enanthate (25 mg/kg, intramuscular) and/or daily treatment with H. perforatum (300 mg/kg, in place of drinking water) for 7 days. Fluphenazine increased VCMs and decreased locomotor activity. H. perforatum had no effect on either the number of VCMs or the locomotor activity. In experiment 2, rats received reserpine every 2 days for 6 days (0.5 mg/kg, subcutaneous) and/or H. perforatum (300 mg/kg, in place of drinking water) daily for 16 days beginning 10 days before the first administration of reserpine. Reserpine treatment increased VCMs and decreased locomotor activity. H. perforatum had no effect on either the number of VCMs or the number of rears but did prevent the effect of reserpine on the number of crossings. In conclusion, H. perforatum failed to protect against orofacial movements induced by fluphenazine or reserpine in rats.