Evaluation the effect of chronic administration of Clinopodium umbrosum aerial parts methanolic extract on the development of morphine whithdrawal syndrome in mice

Abstract

Introduction: Opioids are a class of medicines that interact with opioid receptors to provide analgesic effects. The use of opioid analgesics is limited due to some problems such as tolerance, dependence, and addiction. It has been shown that the immune and inflammatory systems play key roles in morphine dependence. Clinopodium umbrosum is a perennial herb used in traditional medicine as an astringent and anti-flatulence. Moreover, it has important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Aim: The effects of C. umbrosum extract on morphine dependence in mice Method: Methanolic extract of C. umbrosum shoot were prepared. After examining the composition of the extract, the experiment was performed in six groups of 8 mice, so that one group received eight days of morphine with normal saline as an extract carrier, one group received only normal saline, and one group received the extract whit normal saline. The other three groups received three different doses of the extract along with morphine. At the ninth day, withdrawal symptoms were recorded after naloxone injection and blood samples were examined for antioxidant factors. Result: The total withdrawal score in the 20 mg/kg dose of extract group with morphine was significantly lower than morphine-saline group (p<0.001). No significant sedative and locomotion activity reduction were observed in mice after using the extract (all P>0.05). Antioxidant tests did not yield acceptable results due to possible errors in various parts of the process. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of C. umbrosum reduces the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome in a dose-independent manner. The results of antioxidant tests were not acceptable.