Evaluation of the effect of Ferula gummosa essential oil on morphine tolerance and dependence in male mice

Abstract

Background and Aims: The opioid system plays a key role in opioid tolerance and dependence. Furthermore, studies have shown that the opioid system plays a role in the analgesic effects of Ferula gummosa extract. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of Ferula gummosa essential oil (FGEO) on morphine tolerance and dependence in mice. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 60 albino mice were divided into 10 groups of 6 as follows: carrier (10 ml/kg), diazepam (5 mg/kg), and FGEO (40, 20, and 10 mg/kg). To induce morphine tolerance or dependence, it was administrated 3 times for 3 days. In the tolerance phase, drugs were injected intraperitoneally for 30 minutes before morphine administration. In the dependence phase, the drugs were used only on the 4th day (test day). The withdrawal signs were recorded for 30-min. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 20) through ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis statistical tests, followed by Tukey's and Ben Feroni's post hoc tests.. Results: In total, 20 and 40 mg/kg doses of FGEO in the tolerance phase and only the high dose of the essential oil (40 mg/kg) decreased the number of jumps in the dependence phase. Other behaviors (e.g., diarrhea, stomach cramps, standing on two feet, climbing, wet dog shakes, self-treatment, and teeth chattering) decreased by FGEO in both phases. Conclusion: FGEO decreased morphine tolerance and dependence and possibly was useful for the treatment of opioid dependence after complimentary trials.

Keywords

• essential oil
• ferula gummosa
• jumping
• morphine dependence
• tolerance