Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology News | Feature | 18 November 2016
Summary: Borago officinalis extract significantly decreased the morphine withdrawal symptoms.
Source: Shahrekord University of Medical Science
Morphine is used by clinicial to reduce pain. Chronic use of morphine may cause physical dependence. Stoppage of it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramp (leg and abdominal muscle), sweating, rhinorrea or epiphora, involuntary muscle contraction or muscle twitching, and sometimes convulsion. If dependence is severe, the withdrawal symptoms last for 6-10 days.
Recently a paper published by Dr. Mahmoud Rafieian Kopaei and his team in Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology showed that hydroalcoholic extract of B. officinalis significantly attenuated the symptoms of morphine withdrawal syndrome.
Photograph: Borago officinalis