Investigating the effect of silymarin on withdrawal syndrome and morphine oxidative stress parameters in male rats

Abstract

Chronic morphine consumption (along with its tolerance and dependence) has been shown to increase the activity of dopaminergic and glutaminergic systems and production of pro-inflammatory mediators , and products from derived cyclooxygenase activity. This is probably one of the mechanisms of morphine dependency. Silymarin probably reduce morphine withdrawal syndrome due to its inhibitory effect on glial cell production and cyclooxygenase prouducts. Aim: The aim of this dissertation was to evaluate the effect of Silymarin in preventing the development of dependence and reducing the withdrawal symptoms of morphine and elevate oxidative stress parameteres in male rats Method : Experiments were conducted on male rats weighing 225-275 g. For induction of dependence, a 11-day subcutaneous injection of morphine once a day was used, and the injection of naloxone )4 mg / kg, i.p. (was performed on the 11th day and symptoms of withdrawal syndrome were recorded for 30 minutes. In groups treated with Silymarin was injected in three doses (25,50,100 mg / kg, i.p. ) one hour after morning injection of morphine for 10 days. Naloxone (4mg / kg, i.p.) was injected on day 11 and the signs of withdrawal syndrome were recorded for 30 minutes and taking blood samples to check the serum level of enzymes, the results were recorded and analyzed Results : Intraperitoneal injection of Silymarin at a dose of 50,100 mg/kg significantly (p <0.001,p<0.01) reduced the total morphine withdrawal syndrome in male rats compared to the morphine received group.Also the antioxidant effect of silymarin increased as observed between all three doses , and the dose of 100 mg / kg was indicated the most antioxidant effect (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that Silymarin had beneficial effects in reducing symptoms of morphine withdrawal and has been shown correction in stress oxidative parameteres level.