The effect of Aloe vera on morphine withdrawal signs in mice

Aloe vera is a herbal medicine for skin therapeutical objects. Many products like pomade, cream, gel, and shampoo for skin injuries have been made from this plant. Sometimes, the powder of this plant has also been used by mothers to keep out their infants from breast-feeding. In some of the books, this plant has been introduced as an opioid–receptors antagonist. In this study, 30 male mice (45-50 g) were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups (n = 6). All of them received morphine sulphate (120 mg/kg, s.c., 3 times daily) for 3 days. Control group only received morphine. Treated-groups received Aloe vera (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, IP) and morphine daily for 3 days. clonidine group received clonidine (3 mg/kg, IP) and morphine daily for 3 days. At the end of session (4th day), all of the groups received naloxone (5 mg/kg, IP) and, then morphine withdrawal signs (jumping, climbing, diarrhea) were studied for 30 minutes. Our results show that 10 mg/kg of Aloe vera is the most effective dose for treatment of morphine withdrawal signs, especially for reduction of diarrhea and its effect on diarrhea was better that clonidine effect.