Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate, in vivo, the effect of a Brugmansia arborea extract (BRU), chromatographic fractions (FA and FNA), and isolated alkaloids on the expression and the acquisition of morphine tolerance and dependence. Substances were acutely (for expression) or repeatedly (for acquisition) administered in mice treated with morphine twice daily for 5 or 6 days, in order to make them tolerant or dependent. Morphine tolerance was assessed using the tail-flick test at 1st and 5th days. Morphine dependence was evaluated through the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone injection at 6th day. Results showed that BRU significantly reduced the expression of morphine tolerance, while it was ineffective to modulate its acquisition. Chromatographic fractions and pure alkaloids failed to reduce morphine tolerance. Conversely BRU, FA, and pure alkaloids administrations significantly attenuated both development and expression of morphine dependence. These data suggest that Brugmansia arborea Lagerh might have human therapeutic potential for treatment of opioid addiction.
Highlights
Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerh. is a solanaceous shrub native to South America and widely cultivated in Europe as an ornamental species
The bioassay-oriented study of a methanol extract of Brugmansia arborea permitted the isolation of three tropane alkaloids: atropine, apoatropine, and 3α-tigloil-oxitropane
The present study has revealed the presence of three tropane alkaloids in the methanol extract of Brugmansia arborea
Summary
Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerh. is a solanaceous shrub native to South America and widely cultivated in Europe as an ornamental species. Is a solanaceous shrub native to South America and widely cultivated in Europe as an ornamental species. In Peru this plant, known with the vernacular names of campachu or misha, is employed by the shamans in magic and sorcery to get in touch with the gods, as an antinflammatory and in the treatment of rheumatic pains. Misha is one of the most powerful magical plants, a “hot” species, known to act on the central nervous system [1]. Previous phytochemical studies identified some active components of the plant. The tropane alkaloid, hyoscine, was found in samples collected in Argentina [2]. Other tropane alkaloids have been found in plants collected in Italy [3]
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