Effects of 18-methoxycoronaridine on acute signs of morphine withdrawal in rats.
Neuroreport – May 11, 1998
Source: PubMed
Summary
A natural compound shows promise for opioid dependence, but its toxic side effects are a concern. A new derivative, 18-Methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), was explored as a safer option. Researchers investigated if 18-MC could reduce the intense physical signs of morphine withdrawal. In tests with rats, 18-MC successfully eased five of seven withdrawal symptoms. This positive outcome indicates 18-MC could significantly ameliorate symptoms of opioid dependence in people.
Abstract
Ibogaine, an alkaloid found in the root bark of the African shrub Tabernanthe iboga, has been claimed to interrupt opioid dependence in humans; in animals, it has been shown to inhibit morphine self-administration and to attenuate signs of morphine withdrawal. However, ibogaine has some neurotoxicity, and because of this, efficacious and safer congeners of ibogaine have been sought, 18-Methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), a novel iboga alkaloid congener, has been shown, in animals, to mimic the effects of ibogaine on morphine self-administration without producing any ibogaine-like neurotoxiticity. In the present study, 18-MC was shown to attenuate five of seven signs of morphine withdrawal in rats. The data suggest that 18-MC will ameliorate symptoms of opioid dependence in humans.