Phytomedicines in preclinical and clinical research on antipsychotics-induced EPS/EPS-like behaviors: therapeutic effects and neurobiological mechanisms - Summary - MDSpire

Phytomedicines in preclinical and clinical research on antipsychotics-induced EPS/EPS-like behaviors: therapeutic effects and neurobiological mechanisms

  • By

  • Ziwen Wang

  • Huicong Shi

  • Chengbin Guan

  • Xin-Min Li

  • Haiyun Xu

  • June 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To provide a comprehensive review on the application of phytomedicines in preventing and treating antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) by summarizing their therapeutic effects and underlying neurobiological mechanisms.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Clinical research indicates beneficial effects of herbal medicines on EPS in patients with schizophrenia.
    • Most studies reviewed are animal studies demonstrating that herbal medicines can prevent or improve EPS-like behaviors.
    • Neurobiological mechanisms include regulation of monoaminergic neurotransmission, alleviation of oxidative stress, maintenance of mitochondrial function, suppression of neuroinflammation, and modulation of the KEAP1/Nrf2 pathway.
    Interpretation:

    The results support the combination of herbal medicines with antipsychotic drugs for the prevention and treatment of EPS in patients with schizophrenia.

    Limitations:
    • The majority of existing research consists of animal studies rather than extensive clinical trials.
    • A few negative reports exist regarding the efficacy of herbal medicines.
    Conclusion:

    The review highlights the potential of phytomedicines in addressing EPS induced by antipsychotic drugs.

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