ABSTRACT
Background: curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects and also it can be exploited for drug abuse treatment, but its low bioavailability and water solubility are the most important obstacles and limit its application. The recent achievements of nanotechnology illustrate a novel approach in treatment of drug abuse and addiction. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dendrosomal Nano curcumin [DNC] administration on morphine withdrawal signs in rats
Methods: male rats [250-300 gr] were anaesthetized and implanted with silastic catheters inserted into the right jugular vein. Then they were placed in the self-administration apparatus for 2 hours/day for 12 days and received saline or morphine [5mg/ml] by infusion pump. In addition, DNC [10, 5 mg/kg,IP] were injected 30 minutes before placing in apparatus and the signs of withdrawal were measured for 30 minutes after injection of naloxone [2 mag, i.p]
Results: morphine significantly induced dependence and withdrawal signs in sham group. On the other hand injection of DNC significantly decreases these signs [p<0/05]
Conclusion: DNC can decrease withdrawal signs of morphine and can be used as an effective pharmacotherapy for morphine abuse