ABSTRACT
In the present study, the effects of aqueous saffron extract [Crocus sativus L.] on the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference [CPP] in mice were investigated. Subcutaneous administration of morphine [40 mg/kg for four days] produced place preference. Intraperitoneal administration of aqueous extract [40 and 80 mg/kg for four days] 30 min before the morphine administration decreased the acquisition of morphine CPP. In other groups of animal, following extinction of a place preference induced by morphine [40 mg/kg], single administration of morphine [10 mg/kg] reinstated the place reference. The aqueous extract [80 mg/kg] 30 min before this priming dose of morphine blocked morphine-induced reinstatement of place preference. These results show that aqueous saffron extract can reduce the acquisition and reinstatement of morphine-induced conditioned place preference