Journal of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Anti-Addictive Effects of Astragalus Fasciculifolius Extract in a Mouse Stress-Induced Morphine Dependent Model
By Fatemeh Azizi, Nasim Shahrani, Najmeh Asgharzadeh and 5 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Morphine is a potent analgesic with a high potential for addiction. Emerging evidence suggests that natural products may offer therapeutic benefits in addiction management. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Astragalus fasciculifolius extract on morphine-seeking behavior in a mouse model subjected to acute stress. The study also investigated how A. fasciculifolius influences morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) and related biochemical changes in stressed mice.
Methods
Forty-two male NMRI mice were randomly assigned to seven groups: control, morphine, morphine + saline, morphine + stress, and A. fasciculifolius-treated groups receiving 150, 450, or 800 mg/kg doses. After completing five days of CPP behavioral assessments, the mice were anesthetized via the intraperitoneal administration of ketamine and xylazine. Then, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and hippocampal tissue was isolated. Finally, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and messenger RNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the hippocampus were quantified.