Comparative pathological study of Matricaria recutita L. and methadone effects on liver and kidney of morphine dependent rats

• Published in: Planta Medica
• Main Author: Khabbaz, M
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 24.08.2010
• ISSN: 0032-0943; 1439-0221
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264910

Introduction Addiction to opiates such as morphine is one of the major world health problems. Some reports show that Matricaria chamomilla extract contains flavonoids, which exert Benzodiazepine-like activity and inhibited the expression of abstinence syndrome in morphine-dependent animals. The objective of this study was to determined and compare the effect of injection of Matricaria chamomilla extract on morphine withdrawal syndrome signs (MWS) in rats. In addition to compare the pathological effects of Matricaria chamomilla and methadone on the liver of morphine dependent rats. Material and Methods : 32 male rats (200–300 gr) (n=8) were tested in 4 groups: (1) saline only group, (2) morphine group were received 10mg/kg morphine for 10 days, (3) Matricaria chamomilla group –20mg/kg I.P 30min before Morphine administration and (4) Methadone group. At the end of the training day all groups received naloxane (5mg/kg I.P) 3h after last injection of morphine and then the frequencies of withdrawal behavior were assessed for 30min using the Open field test. In addition hepatic and renal pathology was studied. Results : Microscopically there were severe pathological effects, such as necrosis and hemorrhage, acute pre-portal necrosis, atrophy of pre-portal hepatocytes, hyperplasia of bile ducts and infiltration of lymphocytes and granulocytes, in the liver of morphine – treated group. No hepatic lesions were observed in the Matricaria chamomilla – treated group. No kidney lesions were observed in either group. Discussion: These result suggested that ip injection of Matricaria chamomilla might be helpful in the treatment of morphine withdrawal syndrome and appears to be safer than methadone. There is a need for additional research and study of the medicinal plants and herbal medicine with respect to the treatment of addiction. Acknowledgments: Dr. Sharif Azadeh (Head of Students Scientific association of islamic Azad University) Dr. Rahim vakilzadeh, Miss rana mokhtarzadeh.