Inhibitory Action of the Ginseng Total Saponin on the Nalbuphine-Induced Tolerance and Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the antagonism of the ginseng total saponin (GTS) on the development of nalbuphine-induced tolerance and physical dependence. GTS is blown to have antinarcotic action with a dose of 100mg/kg (i.p.) in rats. STS significantly inhibits the development of nalbuphine-induced physical dependence as well as the tolerance. The level of pCREB was elevated in the striatum by the chronic treatment with nalbuphine or GTS, how-ever, the elevation of pCREB was inhibited by the GTS co-treatment. It has been suggested that NMDA receptor and/or NO is involved in the penomena of opioid dependence and withdrawal. However, the level of nNOS and NR1 was not modulated by the treatment with nalbuphine or GTS on the cortex, hippocampus and striatum in the rat brain. These results suggest that the GTS could be used to ameliorate the nalbuphine tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.