Ajoene restored behavioral patterns and liver glutathione level in morphine treated C57BL6 mice

Oxidative stress exacerbates drug dependence induced by administration of opiate analgesics such as morphine-induced tolerance and physical dependence associated with the reduction in hepatic glutathione (GSH) level. Ajoene obtained from garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been reported for anti-tumorigenic, anti-oxidative and neuroprotective properties, however, little is known about its effect on morphine-induced dependence. Therefore, this study aimed at the effect of ajoene on physical and/or psychological dependence and liver GSH content in morphine-treated mice. Conditioned place preference (CPP) test and measurement of morphine withdrawal syndrome were performed in C57BL6 mice for behavioral experiments. Thereafter, mice were sacrificed for measurement of serum and liver GSH levels. Ajoene restored CPP and naloxone-precipitated jumping behavior in mice exposed to morphine. Moreover, the reduced level of liver GSH content in morphine treated mice was back to normal after ajoene administration. Taken together, ajoene improved behavioral patterns in mice exposed to morphine suggesting its potential therapeutic benefit against morphine-induced dependence.