Effects of Aqueous Extract of Afghan Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on Morphine Withdrawal Symptoms in Male Rats

Abstract

Background: Opioid dependence is a significant and widespread issue in the realm of treatment. The interest in using low-side-effect medications, such as herbal remedies, has grown as a viable option for addressing dependence, making it a critical focus of research globally. We aimed to investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Afghan Hibiscus sabdariffa L. on withdrawal symptoms in morphine dependent rats.

Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were categorized into five groups: Vehicle, Morphine, and three H. sabdariffa L. extract groups. Morphine dependence was induced through subcutaneous injections of morphine hydrochloride over seven consecutive days. The H. sabdariffa  L. extract was administrated orally at the doses of 75, 100, and 150 mg/kg concurrently with morphine. On the seventh day, two hours after the final morphine dose, naloxone was administered, and withdrawal signs were monitored for 30 min.

Results: Administering the aqueous extract of Afghan H. sabdariffa L. significantly reduced the occurrence of ptosis and chewing behaviors associated with withdrawal in morphine-dependent rats (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Afghan H. sabdariffa L. holds promise as an effective treatment for alleviating withdrawal symptoms in morphine-dependent rats.