The inhibitory effect of norharman on morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats: comparison with ibogaine.
Behavioural brain research – November 16, 1994
Source: PubMed
Summary
Norharman (20 mg/kg) and ibogaine (40 mg/kg) significantly reduced withdrawal symptoms in morphine-dependent rats following naloxone administration (4 mg/kg). Notable decreases were observed in signs like teeth chattering, chewing, penile licking, and diarrhea. Specifically, norharman also lessened grooming and rearing behaviors. These findings suggest that both compounds effectively mitigate withdrawal syndrome in this animal model, highlighting their potential as therapeutic options for managing opioid dependence.
Abstract
Norharman (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and ibogaine (40 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly attenuated naloxone (4 mg/kg, i.p.)-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent rats. Several withdrawal signs, such as teeth-chattering, chewing, penile licking and diarrhoea, were decreased by both norharman and ibogaine. In addition, norharman reduced also the withdrawal grooming and rearing. It is concluded that both norharman and ibogaine are inhibitors of withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent rats.