Evaluation the effect of chronic intraperitoneal. administration of methanolic extract of rhizome of Eremostachys azerbijanica on the development of morphine whithdrawal syndrome in male rats

Abstract

Introduction: Long-term consumption of morphine will cause tolerance and dependence. During morphine withdrawal syndrome, increasing in inflammatory factors and changes in activity of the receptors. Several mechanisms (activation of NMDA receptors, oxidative stress, etc.) have been proposed to explain opioid dependence. Eremostachys azerbaijanica rhizome has effects on the inflammation process, anti-oxidant. So it would probably be able to reduce morphine withdrawal signs. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic administration of Eremostachys azerbaijanica plant rhizome extract in the development of morphine withdrawal syndrome in male rats. Methods: male wistar rats were divided into seven groups randomly, including: morphine + saline (vehicle), saline + saline, and Eremostachys azerbaijanica (100,200,400mg/kg) + morphine and extract 400mg/kg + saline. The rats were rendered morphine-dependent by injection of additive doses of morphine subcutaneously for 9-days. On the 9th day, 1 hour after the last dose of morphine, naloxone (4 mg/kg i.p) was injected. Withdrawal behaviors were evaluated for 60 minutes. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey past-test, p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The blood samples were then taken to measure TAC and MDA. Results: The results showed that Eremostachys azerbaijanica could reduce the morphine withdrawal syndrome and total withdrawal score (TWS). I.P injection of Eremostachys azerbaijanica significantly reduced the TWS in comparison the morphine-vehicle treated group (p<0.05).(100 and 400 mg/kg) of extract with (p<0.001) and (200 mg/kg) of extract with (p<0.01) significantly reduced TWS. MDA level was also reduced by 400mg/kg of Eremostachys azerbaijanica.

Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that Eremostachys azerbaijanica has beneficial effects in reducing withdrawal syndrome of morphine