Alternative Therapy of Psychosis: Potential Phytochemicals and Drug Targets in the Management of Schizophrenia

Risk Factors of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex disease which remains rudimentary and has involvement of various genetic, nutritional, microbial and environmental factors (Caspi and Moffitt, 2006; Lewis and Sweet, 2009). A person can have several defective genes, but risk factors such as infections, drug abuse and obstetric complications may conclusively lead to illness (Craddock et al., 2005; Winterer et al., 2003). Infections like influenza, rubella, cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii, herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, and polio virus can predispose the vulnerable individuals to schizophrenia (Brown and Susser, 2002). Obstetric complications including low birth weight, premature birth, rhesus incompatibility, resuscitation at birth time, nutritional deficiency of fetus and emergency caesarean delivery have been strongly correlated to the disease (Kyle and Pichard, 2006; St Clair et al., 2005). After maternal infection, there is an increased production of cytokines that adversely affects the immune system culminating in brain damage (Brown and Derkits, 2010). Nutritional factors that can contribute to schizophrenia include continuous intake of high fat and high sugar diets, and deficiency of vitamin D, B9 and B12. Recent studies showed that a high level of maternal IL-8 had caused anatomical problems in fetus (Meyer 2011; Na et al., 2014).

Schizophrenia has a strong hereditary tendency, showing 10% chance in close relatives of patient. A complex interaction of one or more of 20 genes is responsible for the disease (Harrison and Weinberger, 2005). The genes including neuregulin-1 (NRG1), dysbindin (DTNBP1), disrupted in schizophrenia (DISC1), d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO), regulator of G protein signaling-4 (RGSR), catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and G72 are schizophrenia susceptible while several genes affect the glutamatergic transmission pathway in the brain (Craddock et al., 2005; Ross and Margolis, 2005). The effect of various gene expressions on schizophrenia is shown in Figure 1.

There is another phenomenon called endo-phenotypes that is responsible for different clinical symptoms e.g. cognitive defects, neurological abnormalities, impaired emotions and eye movement abnormality (Cannon, 2005; Ross and Margolis, 2005). Different genes control different endo-phenotypes of specific characteristics, inherited in a Mendelian fashion and can cause full schizophrenia if all genes are inherited together (Rapoport et al., 2005; Khandaker et al., 2015).

Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia

Etiopathogenicity of schizophrenia is mainly understood based on several hypotheses (Fendri et al., 2006). The dopamine hypothesis remains a mainstay in understanding schizophrenia and is based on the fact that antipsychotics produce their effect by blocking dopamine D2/D3 receptors. It was further validated by the action of those agents which enhance dopamine level (Abi-Dargham, 2004). Hypo-stimulation of D1 receptor in hippocampus causes negative and cognitive symptoms, while hyper-stimulation of dopamine D2 receptor causes positive symptoms in the subcortical regions (Davis et al., 1991). However, new approaches during recent times have demonstrated a complex interplay among different neurotransmitter circuits (Agren et al., 1991). Another hypothesis indicated that the reduced function of NMDA receptors could produce symptoms of schizophrenia (Moghaddam, 2003; Coyle, 2006). A controlled study showed that antipsychotic drugs positively affected negative symptoms and to lesser extent, cognitive and positive symptoms by increasing the function of NMDA receptors (Coyle, 2006). Moreover, the role of glutamate in schizophrenia was depicted by the discovery of phencyclidine (PCP angel dust) as it induces a psychotic condition by powerful antagonistic action on glutamate receptor i.e. NMDA receptor (Lodge, 1989). The action of dopaminergic neurons may either directly be enhanced by the glutamatergic neurons or indirectly inhibited through the involvement of GABAergic transmission. The interplay of different neuronal signals involved in schizophrenia is depicted in Figure 2.

Dopamine, GABA and glutamate are not the only neurotransmitters involved, but serotonin and noradrenaline also play a significant role in the onset of disease. Moreover, many atypical antipsychotics possess adrenergic blocking ability (Hayes and Schulz, 1983). Lysergic acid diethylamide acts as a serotonin agonist on limbic cortex affecting GABAergic neurons that causes a reduction in glutamatergic tone in corticostriatal area resulting in hallucinations (Gellman and Aghajanian, 1991). Newer atypical antipsychotics have better tolerability profile as compared to typical antipsychotics owing to higher affinity for 5HT2A and lower affinity for D2 receptors in comparison to typical antipsychotic drugs (Schotte et al., 1996). Other receptors usually involved are 5HT2C, 5HT6 or 5HT7 and their modulation shows fewer extra pyramidal symptoms (EPS) (Meltzer and Fatemi, 1996). In recent studies, it was found that atypical anti-psychotic action was partly mediated through their agonistic action at 5HT1A and 5HT2C, and antagonistic action at 5HT6 and 5HT7 (Meltzer, 1999). Some antipsychotics such as phenothiazines, induce less EPS, which shows their effects were partially muscarinic antagonistic in nature. In striatum, dopaminergic terminals have an affinity to affect cholinergic interneurons that eventually affect D2 inhibitory receptors (Pisani et al., 2007). When an antipsychotic agent blocks D2 receptors, it enhances acetylcholine release in striatum. Indeed, it is also now considered that 5HT has no direct involvement in pathophysiology of schizophrenia, but its manipulation with D2 antagonism can produce improved therapeutic effects (Meltzer and Nash, 1991).

Neurotransmitters and Brain Regions Involved in Schizophrenia

In addition to several neurotransmitters, there is also huge brain areas implicated in schizophrenia, including brainstem, striatum, limbic cortex, neocortex and basal ganglia (Grace and Gomes, 2019). Imaging studies have revealed the lateral and third ventricle enlargement, loss of some brain volume and, volume deficit in the prefrontal and temporal cortex, para-hippocampus, hippocampus and thalamus (Wright et al., 2000; Sullivan et al., 2003). Other cerebral lesions include cavum septi pellucid enlargement, and abnormalities in corpus collosum, cerebellar and basal ganglia (Niznikiewicz et al., 2003; Antonova et al., 2004; Honea et al., 2005). Moreover, cyto-architectural abnormalities in the grey matter of entorhinal area, corticolimbic portion, and aberrant neurons in the white matter of prefrontal cortex, para-hippocampus and temporal regions are evident (Arnold et al., 1997; Arnold et al., 2005).

The abnormal dopamine signaling in striatum is responsible for increase of positive and negative symptoms, and decline of cognition in schizophrenia. Striatum mainly associative striatum acts as an integrative hub that moderates communication between limbic and motor regions. In schizophrenia, anomalous dopamine signaling in associative striatum adversely affects integrative functions, connectivity between striatum and cortex disrupting the cortical input from emotional, cognition and motor regions. Dopamine receptors respond differently to dopamine in different regions of striatum. An increased level of D2 receptors was found in associative striatum of schizophrenic patients that was responsible for cognitive deficit and altered neuronal information arriving from various areas of prefrontal cortex (McCutcheon et al., 2019; Simpson et al., 2010). Summary of various brain regions involved in schizophrenia is shown in Figure 3.

FIGURE 3

Involvement of different brain areas in pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Modified from (Grace and Gomes 2019). VP, ventral pallidum.

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Immune System Involved in the Schizophrenia

Recent investigations showed that the oxidative stress and neuro-inflammation played a critical role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Inflammation, oxidative stress and altered expression of proteins collectively lead to schizophrenia. Mitochondrial damage in neurons results in the impairment of mitochondrial respiration and changes in morphology. It also causes a low pH in the brain leading to psychotic symptoms and cognitive defects (Manji et al., 2012; Morris and Maes, 2014). These effects in peripheral tissues work as biomarker of the disease. Oxidative stress is evident both in early onset and chronic schizophrenia (Boskovic et al., 2011). The immune system acts by producing ROS and RNS promoting the release of cytokines that causes neuro-inflammation (Halliwell, 2012). By manipulation of these oxidative stress responses, different new pharmacological treatments can be identified.

An increased amount of ROS and RNS saturates ability of antioxidants, such as glutathione, which neutralize them to cause oxidative stress (Sies, 2015). Inflamosomes, after formation, can stimulate the production of IL-18 and IL-1B that adversely affect the microglia, macrophages and astrocytes. Interleukins also interact with the cytokines (Calabrese, 2008). Moreover, there is variable response to anti-schizophrenic treatments in patients. An increase in IL-6 is associated with delayed response as resistance to treatment is associated with an elevated level of both IL-6 receptor and Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) (Lurie, 2018). Furthermore, stress can increase pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to schizophrenia (Müller and Bechter, 2013). There is evidence that schizophrenic patients have increased level of peripheral plasma cytokines, prostaglandin E2, IL-1, IL-8, and C reactive protein, indicating elevated immune response in peripheral plasma (Miller et al., 2011). It is now established that the immune changes in peripheral blood are indicative of brain function and behavior in different neuropsychiatric disorders (Dantzer, 2004). Understanding the causes and mechanism of neuro-inflammation associated with schizophrenia presents a potential target for the treatment of disease (Watkins and Andrews, 2016).

The involvement of abnormal immune response in pathogenesis of disease is evident (Feigenson et al., 2014). Traditionally, it is thought that the brain is protected immunologically by blood brain barrier, but recent studies demonstrated a complex interaction between brain, systemic inflammation and immune system, altering the mood and behavior (Khandaker et al., 2015). Moreover, alterations in immune system can profoundly affect neurotransmission involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. It can activate the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase involved in tryptophan and kynurenic acid metabolism that influences glutamatergic and serotonergic neurotransmission through these neuroactive metabolites (Müller and Bechter, 2013).

Cholinergic System as Potential Target

Cholinergic system is a potential target for ameliorating the symptoms of schizophrenia, including negative and cognitive symptoms. This system affects working memory, attention and motivation (Berman et al., 2007). As, Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) belong to family of ligand gated ion channel and its homomeric subtype, nAChR-α7 is found in central and peripheral nervous system. It found to have pivotal role in the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders including psychosis. There is a direct role of nAChR-α7 and muscarinic M1 receptor in schizophrenia symptoms (Ochoa and Lasalde-Dominicci 2007; Raedler et al., 2007). Hence, agents acting on these targets are potential candidate for treating schizophrenia.

Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for Schizophrenia

Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are the enzymes often targeted for their pharmacological inhibition because PDE inhibitors can potentiate the effect of different physiological processes which are mediated by cGMP or cAMP. These are identified as a new adjunctive therapy for different diseases including schizophrenia (Madeswaran et al., 2012).

Signaling Pathways as Treatment Target for Schizophrenia

It is found that the level of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is increased while Akt (protein kinase) is reduced in schizophrenic patients (Sahin et al., 2014). Dopamine regulates lithium sensitive signaling cascade that involves GSK3β. Modulation in its increased activity can have impact on long lasting remission of the disease (Duda et al., 2018). A protein kinase, called Akt, is involved in a variety of functions such as neuronal cell size regulation, synaptic plasticity and cell survival, while Akt1 has the most important role in schizophrenia. It is activated by phosphorylation. The GSK-3, regulating the synaptic plasticity, is inactivated after phosphorylating with Akt1. The reduced level of Akt1 also decreases phosphorylation of GSK, thus the activity of GSK-isoform GSK-3 β is enhanced in the frontal cortex area of schizophrenic patients. Antipsychotic drugs are expected to increase Akt activity through blockade of D2 receptor activation (Karam et al., 2010). Other molecules such as Wnt, are lipoglycoproteins, which regulate embryonic development by acting as signaling molecules. Dysregulation in the Wnt signaling pathway contributes to various human diseases including schizophrenia. Moreover, reduction of β-catenin, increase in Wnt-1 expression and reduced GSK-3β contribute to multifaceted kinase present in Wnt signaling (Hoseth et al., 2018). Investigations are being carried out on natural and synthetic agents affecting these cascades in order to cope with schizophrenia.

Alteration in Hormonal Balance for Treatment Option of Schizophrenia

The protective role of estrogen against schizophrenia has been demonstrated previously. Recent clinical trials have validated the usefulness of estradiol in the treatment of disease (Gogos et al., 2015). Oxytocin and vasopressin have been implicated in the disease etiology and the antagonistic approach against vasopressin V1A receptors may provide an opportunity for treating schizophrenia (Park et al., 2020).

Current Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Treatments

Antipsychotic drugs are also called neuroleptics (meaning, taking hold of one’s nerves) and are used to manage acute and chronic schizophrenia symptoms. Generally, first generation (typical) and second generation (atypical) anti-psychotic drugs are used in allopathy (Khandakeret al., 2015). Typical antipsychotics include chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, trifluperidol, flupenthixol, loxapine, triflupromazine, trifluperazine, haloperidol, penfluridol and pimozide. Risperidone, clozapine, aripiprazole, olanzapine, ziprasidone, quetiapine and sulpiride are a few examples of atypical antipsychotic drugs. Atypical antipsychotics are generally more effective, but have fewer side effects as compared to typical anti-psychotic drugs [27]. General adverse effects of these synthetic drugs include but not limited to diabetes, dizziness, tardive dyskinesia, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, sedation and agitation. For avoiding these drug related problems, more efficacious and safer remedies are needed [36].

Several non-pharmacological treatments are currently used for the management of schizophrenia. Aromatherapy and aroma massage are helpful in ameliorating depressive symptoms of schizophrenia [54]. Acupuncture activates different brain regions involved in controlling emotions of schizophrenic patients [42]. For improvement of constant negative symptoms, loving kindness mediation (LKM) has been proved useful [39]. Yoga and aerobic exercises are also very helpful for the psychiatric symptoms of schizophrenia [49].

Phytochemicals and Their Role in Schizophrenia

About 80% of the total population of Asia and Africa are dependent on natural therapeutics. Mainstream antipsychotic drugs are associated with several adverse effects. Therefore, several phytochemicals have been investigated for neuroprotection and anti-psychotic action in cell culture and animal models of CNS disorders. The vast majority of studies have demonstrated that the anti-psychotic and neuroprotective action of phytochemicals is due to their antioxidant action [19]. As pathophysiology of schizophrenia clearly depicts oxidative burden in brain, so the natural antioxidants in the form of extracts or individual phytochemicals are effective for treatment of schizophrenia. These phytochemicals have gained attention due to their therapeutic value, less adverse effects, better safety profile and high efficacy (Gao and Snyder 2013; Choudhury et al., 2014). Several phytochemicals investigated in pre-clinical and clinical studies are shown in Table 1 and ​and22.

Phytochemicals showing efficacy against schizophrenia belong to different phytochemical classes such as alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenes, terpenoids and essential oils. Theses phytochemical classes are summarized in Figure 4.

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are present in all plant parts, especially in flowers (Girdhar et al., 2015). These are mainly useful in treating several neurodegenerative disorders. These phytochemicals are effective against schizophrenia via affecting acetylcholine concentration, increasing GABA, antagonizing NMDA receptors, anti-oxidant action, anti-amyloid activity and, preventing neuro-inflammation (Dey and Mukherjee, 2018). Several alkaloids have now been investigated for treatment of schizophrenia. Arecoline, a pyridine alkaloid, has shown a capacity for muscarinic receptors as cholinergic agonist and can improve cognitive symptoms in schizophrenic patients. It also exerts antioxidant action and prevents demyelination of the cerebral white matter to attenuate memory impairment (Xu et al., 2019). Stepholidine, a protoberberine alkaloid, has a special feature of combined D1 agonist and D2 antagonist effect, and is useful in improving memory deficit in schizophrenia (Ellenbroek et al., 2006). Aporphine alkaloids, including apomorphine, reportedly cause amelioration of schizophrenic symptoms in patients by potently antagonizing dopamine at its receptor site (Smith et al., 1977; Fletcher et al., 1996). Isoquinoline alkaloids have also been investigated against schizophrenia. Galantamine increases the NMDA current in the rat cortical neurons. It also enhanced the effects of Ach by positive modulation of nAchR that decreased the attentional impairment and, increased short term memory and attention (Moriguchi et al., 2005; Schubert et al., 2006). A combination of galantamine and memantine was effective to enhance cognition in schizophrenic patients (Koola et al., 2014). Reticuline has also demonstrated antipsychotic activity through anti-dopaminergic actions (Morais et al., 1998).

Nicotine, a pyridine alkaloid, was effective in schizophrenic patients to improve attention deficit through action as an alpha nicotinic receptor agonist (Levin et al., 1998). Some indole alkaloids, such as corymine, potentiated the NMDA current and showed efficacy against schizophrenia, while alstonine showed anti-schizophrenic effect by modulating the dopamine uptake and NMDA receptor. These alkaloids also reduced behavioral problems of schizophrenic patients (Costa-Campos et al., 1998). The ameliorating effect of geissoschinzine methyl ether against schizophrenia also occured through modulation of dopamine receptors as well as partial antagonistic effect against NMDA receptors.

Glycosides

In glycosides, a sugar moity is attached to non sugar molecule through glycosidic linkage. Glycosides are present in plants as secondary metabolites and are their “offense and defence” components (Shadkami and Jones, 2012; Wang et al., 2016). A study on use of bacoside A and B isolated from Bacopa monnieri has shown an improvement in cognitive defects in schizophrenic model by increasing vesicular glutamate transporter 2 in cingulate gyrus region (Wetchateng and Piyabhan, 2014). Isothiocyanates, such as sulforaphane, exhibited antipsychotic activity through activation of Nrf2 pathway, detoxification of phase 2 enzymes and, antioxidant action by enhancing electrophilic response elements (Shirai et al., 2012). Hypericin is nephthodianthrone and exhibits antioxidant properties. It inhibits D3/D4 receptors and is a candidate drug for the management of schizophrenia (Butterweck et al., 2002; Saranya et al., 2019). Emodin Targets ErbB signaling and alters dopamine and serotonin metabolism to exhibit ameliorating effects against schizophrenia symptoms (Mizuno et al., 2008; Mizuno et al., 2010). Polygalasaponin, a saponin glycoside, has anti-schizophrenic activity due to its dopamine and serotonin antagonist activities (Chung et al., 2002). It is also found that iridoid glycosides and cardenolides were effective in treating psychotic symptoms that required further investigation. Beta sitosterol also inhibited the GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors as demonstrated by docking studies. Picroside II also showed in vitro potential of antipsychotic activity (Bagchi and Somashekhar 2014; Kumar and Patnaik 2016).

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites that have demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-schizophrenic activity. Several studies have indicated that these are useful against neurologic and psychotic disorders (Wu et al., 2009). Kaempferol has demonstrated neuroprotective effects against schizophrenia due to its anti-infammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects (El-Kott et al., 2020). Baicalin is reported to ameliorate negative symptoms and cognitive dyfunction in psychosis. This psychotic effect may be attributed to its anti-prolyl-oligopeptidase, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions (Miao et al., 2020; Tarragó et al., 2008).

Quercitin, a bioflavonoid, has potential to improve symptoms of schizophrenia due to its free radical scavenging activity (Mert et al., 2019). Myricitrin is an inhibitor of nitric oxide and Protein Kinase C. Its anti-schizophrenic effect is attributed to antioxidant action (Amanzadeh et al., 2019). Scopoletin and rutin are useful for alleviation of positive symptoms of schizophrenia due to the inhibitory interaction with D2 receptor (Pandy and VijeePallam 2017). Xanthones, such as α-mangostin and magniferin, have also been studied for anti-schizophrenic activity. α-mangostin is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also inhibited phosphodiesterases and 5HT₂A receptors, and was shown to be effective in rodent models of schizophrenia. Magniferin improved cognition by its antioxidant mechanism, preserving mitochondrial functions, anti-inflammatory activity and, reduction of dopamine (Lotter 2018; Lum et al., 2020), Hydroxytyrosol is a cholesterol which showed neuroprotection for multiple neurological and psychological diseases. It decreased oxidative stress by activation of Nrf2 pathway and enhanced the mitochondrial functions. It restored the learning ability and memory in prenatal stressed animal and human off springs, when administered during pregnancy, showing its vitality for preserving neurogenesis and cognitive functions in off springs (Chen and Wei, 2021).

Curcumin is known for its several beneficial effects on the nervous system attributed to its ability to raise the level of reduced glutathione (Lavoie et al., 2009; Miodownik et al., 2019). Curcumin exerted add-on effects of regular anti-psychotic drugs in chronic schizophrenic patients. Such treatments have shown improvement in negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Curcumin regulates the gene expressions involved in inflammation and modulates NMDA activity, which are associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. Morin also exhibited anti-psychotic like effects, without exerting extrapyramidal side effect, by enhancing GABA activity (Ben-Azu et al., 2018). Gallic acid also plays protective role against psychotic like behaviour through enhancement of NMDA receptor (Yadav et al., 2018b). Nobiletin, a flavonoid, improves hypo-functioning of NMDA receptors by acting on extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling and ameliorates cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia (Nakajima et al., 2007).

Diosmin, a flavone, enhances GABA transmission to treat symptoms of schizophrenia (Eneni et al., 2020). Naringin is a flavonoid that acts on Wnt/β catenin and Akt/GSK-3β pathways to exert anti-schizophrenic effect (George et al., 2020). It is also found that genistein, an isoflvone, had exhibited therapeutic effects against different symptoms of schizophrenia by acting on estrogen receptor and affecting dopamine pathway (Kalpana et al., 2014). Furthermore, both apigenin and luteolin have demonstrated considerable potential to improve the symptoms of schizophrenia (Zhao and So, 2018).

Terpenes and Terpenoids

Tutin is a sesquiterpene that inhibited glycinergic activity and blocked GABA-A receptors. Moreover, 1,8 cineole is amonoterpenoid that acts on dopamine and glutamate pathways. Caryophylline is a sesquiterpene isolated from essential oils that acts as phytocannabinoid and is being effectively investigated in clinical research of schizophrenia (Kucerova et al., 2014).

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids belong to terpenoid class and are helful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Results of a meta-analysis have concluded that the patients of schizophrenia have increased amount of endocannabinoid anandamide in their blood, cerebrospinal fluids and cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1) present on immune cells (Davies and Bhattacharyya, 2019). Three randomized trials have reported the reduction in disease positive symptom and improved cognition by using cannabidiol (White, 2019).

Cannabidiol is a cannabinoid that blocks the serotonin uptake and increases GABAergic activity to exert anti-schizophrenic effect. This effect was also evident in schizophrenic patients who used cannabis (Morgan and Curran, 2008). Moreover, cannabidiol had also shown a clear advantage in clinical studies over other antipsychotics as it did not exhibit any movement like problems associated with the use of other antipsychotics (García-Gutiérrez et al., 2020).

Another cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol, also improved the symptoms of schizophrenia due to its effect on the endocannabinoid receptors (Schwarcz et al., 2009). On the other hand in some reports suggested that the 9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration had increased the symptoms of psychosis. But researchers reported that tetrahydrocanabinol might have dose dependent effect. As at low doses, it improved the symptoms of psychosis while it inflicted disruption to brain circuits causing worsening of psychotic symptoms at large doses.

Phytosterols

Phytosterols and oxyphytosterols (oxidation products of phytosterol) are naturally synthesized by several plants. Exposure of these natural agents is growing due to increased intake of plant food enriched with phytosterol and oxyphytosterol (Jie et al., 2020).

Stigmasterol is a phytosterol present in vegetables, legumes, nuts, herbs and seeds. It is shown to inhibit ketamine induced biochemical, histopathological and behavioral alterations in mice to exhibit antipsychotic potential. It manages psychosis by ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress, and by altering dopaminergic, acetylcholinergic and GABAergic neurotransmission (Yadav et al., 2018a).

Carotenoids

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and its active constituents such as crocins and safranal have shown high potential for treatment of various central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, depression and memory defficit (Pitsikas, 2015). Crocin is a carotenoid that showed effectiveness as antipsychotic drug by regulating Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus (Sun et al., 2020). There are increasing preclinical evidences that crocins reversed the ketamine induced memory deficit, hypermotility and social isolation at 15–50 mg/kg dosage in rats (Georgiadou et al., 2014). It is also found that crocins had inhibited the apomorphine induced deficit in novel object recognition task associated with dopaminergic dysfunction in rats (Pitsikas and Tarantilis, 2017). Based on better safety profile and the preclinical evidences of efficacy against psychosis, there is strong need for controlled clinical studies of these agents agianst schizophrenia (Pitsikas, 2021).