Suppressive effects of dichloromethane fraction from the Areca catechu nut on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in mice.

ABSTRACT

In the present study, we investigated the effect of the dichloromethane fraction from Areca catechu nut on the severity of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in morphine-dependent mice. A single intraperitoneal injection of dichloromethane fraction at dose of 125 and 175 mg/kg significantly delayed the onset of withdrawal jumping behavior in a concentration-dependent manner compared to that of saline controls. The dichloromethane fractions also significantly decreased jumping numbers and faecal and urinary excretions during the withdrawal period.