Effect of Hydro-alcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac on morphine withdrawal symptoms in rats

ABSTRACT Background and Aim: The exact mechanisms of morphine dependence and withdrawal syndrome remain unclear. Many studies have been performed to find agents with low dependency in order to decrease withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand studies have shown the anticonvulsant and sedative effects of Jasminum sambac. The traditional use of this plant has shown its analgesic, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, sedative, and anti-spasmodic effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac on morphine withdrawal symptoms in rats. Material and Methods: Adult male Wistar rats with weight range of 225 - 275 g were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups. Each group consisted of 6 rats. In order to induce dependency, additive doses of morphine were injected subcutaneously for 13 days. On the 13th day, after the last dose of morphine, intraperitoneal saline injection (1 ml/kg:) was given to the morphine-saline group. We gave intraperitoneal injections of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac to the three treatment groups respectively. Thirty minutes later, intraperitoneal injections of naloxone (4 mg/kg) was given to the treatment groups and the withdrawal symptoms including: jumping, rearing, genital grooming, abdominal writhing, wet dog shake and weight loss were recorded for 60 minutes. Results: Results of this study showed that 100 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of Jasminum sambac significantly reduced the number of jumping and at all doses reduced rearing and genital grooming in the treatment groups compared to those in the morphine-saline group (P