Exploring Standardized Zembrin® Extracts from the South African Plant Sceletium tortuosum in Dual Targeting Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition as Potential Treatment in Schizophrenia

Converging evidence suggests that Disrupted in Schizophrenia (DISC-1) is a recognized risk gene for schizophrenia.The interaction of DISC-with PDE-4 (Phosphodiesterase Subtype-4) plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and neuro-inflammation in schizophrenia. .Serotonin has drawn increased attention for its role in modulating cognition function.Hence dual targeting Selective Serotonin Reuptake site (SSRI) and PDE-4 may offer novel therapeutic paradigm towards augmenting antipsychotics in schizophrenia.Translational studies show that the family of mesembrane-related alkaloids isolated from the South African plant: Sceletium tortuosum have been shown to hit dual targets: SSRI and PDE-4 allosteric site.The promising findings warrant a proof-of-concept randomized controlled study Zembrin extract in schizophrenia.