effect of ethanolic extract of safflower on naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal signs in mice

background and aims: safflower (carthamus tinctorius l.)from asteraceae family has different biological activities including analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and neuroprotective effects. this study designed to evaluate its effect on naloxone -induced morphine withdrawal signs. methods: in this experimental study, male nmri mice (25-30 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups of 8: control groups received morphine and normal saline (10ml/kg) and other groups received fluoxetine (20mg/kg) and different doses of ethanolic extract of safflower (100,200 and 400mg/kg).morphine dependency was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of increasing doses (50-75 mg/kg) of morphine. withdrawal signs were elicited by naloxone (5mg/kg, i.p.) and number of jumpings and also presence of climbing, writing, wet dog shakes, teeth chattering, diarrhea, grooming and rearing during a 30 min period. results: the ethanolic extract at all doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p., p