Abstract
BACKGROUND: Morphine dependence is a significant concern because of its potential for inducing addiction and adverse withdrawal symptoms. Naringin, a flavonoid compound found in citrus fruits, has shown promise in various pharmacological activities, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its potential role in inhibiting or reducing morphine dependence has not been extensively investigated yet. This study aimed to determine whether naringin can inhibit or reduce physical morphine dependence in rats. METHODS: Morphine dependence was induced in rats through chronic injection of the drug for 7 days. Also, different doses of naringin (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were administered 15 minutes prior to morphine injection in three experimental groups. The effect of naringin pretreatment on drug withdrawal-associated symptoms, including body weight, jumping, abdominal contraction, grooming, ptosis, diarrhea, and teeth chattering, was evaluated. FINDINGS: The animals experiencing morphine dependence exhibited significant body weight loss. However, administration of naringin before morphine injection prevented this loss by 50%. Also, drug withdrawal symptoms such as jumping, abdominal contraction, grooming, diarrhea, and teeth chattering were significantly increased in the rats. Interestingly, the prescription of naringin significantly reduced these symptoms. Ptosis was observed in all rats receiving morphine, while naringin did not significantly affect this symptom. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of naringin on morphine physical dependence was found to be dose-dependent. CONCLUSION: Naringin pretreatment demonstrated potential in inhibiting or reducing physical morphine dependence in rats. These findings suggest that naringin may have therapeutic potential in managing morphine dependence and associated withdrawal symptoms.