Reduction in motivation for morphine self-administration following dendrosomal nanocurcumin administration in rats

Curcumin, the major compound of turmeric of the ginger, is known to possess a wide range of therapeutic and pharmacological properties but its application is limited due to low bioavailability and water solubility. The recent achievements of nanotechnology provide a novel approach in treatment of drug abuse and addiction. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dendrosomal nano-curcumin administration on morphine dependence in rats by self-administration technique.

Male rats (250-300 g) were anaesthetized. Then, their right jugular vein was catheterized.   After recovery period, the animals were placed in the self-administration apparatus for 2 hours daily for 12 days. Animals received 0.1 ml of saline or saline containing 5 mg/ml of morphine, by infusion pump for 10 sec. Half an hour before placing in apparatus, dendrosomal nano-curcumin 10 mg/kg was injected i.p., and its effect on self-administration of morphine was assessed.

Morphine induced dependence and significantly increased the number of active lever in comparison to passive lever in morphine group. Significant changes were also observed in active levers between saline and morphine groups. Though, the number of active lever pressing in dendrosomal nano-curcumin treated group was significantly
(p < 0.05) reduced in comparison with the morphine group.

Dendrosomal nano-curcumin inhibits the reward system and prevents the reinforcing effects of morphine.