Comparison Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Salvia Macrosiphon and Withania Coagulans on Withdrawal Syndrome in Mice

Background: It is well clear that repeated use of opioid drugs leads to physical dependence and tolerance. Dependance can be measured by evocation of abstinence sign by abrupt drug withdrawal or administration of a narcotic antagonist or both. Effect of Salvia macrosiphon aerial parts extract and Withania coagulans root extract on morphine dependence were investigated in mice. Methods: After induction of dependence by morphine, distilled water was injected to the control group and different concentrations of plants aerial and root parts extract were injected to the other groups. To assess morphine withdrawal, mice were injected naloxone (5mg/kg) i.p. on the5th day. After four consecutive days of morphine injection, withdrawal syndrome was assessed by placing each mouse in a 30cm high glass box and recording the incidence of escape jumps for 60 minutes. Animal receiving acute treatment with morphine displayed dependence. Results: The animals treated with different Salvia macrosiphon aerial (flowered browse) parts extracts concentration could decrease incidence of escape jumps in number or decrease development of morphine dependence and on the other hand, addiction was observed following naloxone administration. Conclusion: Results of the present study showed that the highest activity in methanolic extract of roots that at 200 mg/kg i.p. inhibited 97% incidence of escape jumps (for 60 minutes).