Effects of alcoholic extract of Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatum, Passiflora incarnata and Lavandula officinalis on symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats

Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that plants Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatum, Passiflora incarnata and Lavandula officinalis can affect nervous system and reduce neural excitability and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a mixture of these four plant’s alcoholic extract on morphine withdrawal symptoms. Methods: Experiments were performed on four animal groups of Wistar rats weighing 250-300 g (N= 7). For addiction induction, increasing doses of morphine were injected (Intraperitonealy (i.p.)) during nine days. After scientific identification, the plants were dried in room temperature and pulverized. Four plants powder were mixed with same proportion and then extracted using ethylic alcohol 70% by percolation method and then concentrated by rotary, and administrated at the dose of 400 mg/kg in all experimental groups. Morphine withdrawal syndrome symptoms include standing, stretching, jumping, Limbs shaking, blinking, ptosis, were recorded for 30 minutes. Results: Analysis of results showed a significant reduction of withdrawal symptoms in experimental groups (post and co -treated) in comparison with sham group.. Administration of extract cocktail prior to naloxone induced precipitation of withdrawal syndromes, reduced the expression of syndrome signs. Conclusion: It seems that administration of extract cocktail of these four plants inhibits both development and expression of morphine physical dependence symptoms. Considering the effects of different substances of above mentioned plants on excitability and anxiety mechanisms of the brain, the results of this study support the traditional application of these plants.