Preventive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Passiflora incarnata on morphine withdrawal syndrome and its comparison with clonidine in mice

Chronic use of morphine lead to dependence and discontinuation of the drug causes physical and emotional changes which needs pharmacological intervention. In the present study, the preventive effects of various doses of Passiflora incarnata extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome was evaluated in comparison to clonidine as a standard method. Total withdrawal score (TWS) was calculated based on behavioral sign of naloxone precipitated withdrawal syndrome in 56 adult male mice divided in 7 groups; in 6 groups morphine dependency was induced by chronic injection of morphine for 6 consecutive days. Passiflora incarnata hydro alcoholic extract was administered in doses 100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg. Clonidine and normal saline were used in the control group. Withdrawal syndrome was induced by injection of naloxone. Total withdrawal score was decreased by chronic administration of Passiflora incarnata and clonidine. This study showed that clonidine (0.4mg/kg i.p.) and Passiflora incarnata extract significantly decrease TWS in the all used doses and in comparison to normal saline with a preventive effect comparable to clonidine. The data obtained in this study suggest Passiflora incarnata hydro-alcoholic extract therapeutic potential in prevention and management of opiate withdrawal syndrome which is comparable to the effect of clonidine, particularly at high doses of the plant extract.