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Planta Med 1997; 63(4): 326-328
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957693
Papers
Pharmacology
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Argemone mexicana Reduce Morphine Withdrawal in Guinea Pig Isolated lleum

A. Capasso1 , S. Piacente1 , C. Pizza1 , N. De Tommasi1 , C. Jativa2 , L. Sorrentino3
  • 1School of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele 9, Penta di Fisciano, I-84084 Salerno, Italy
  • 2Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo ESPOCH-Casilla OG-014703 Riobamba, Ecuador
  • 3Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, via Domenico Montesano 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy
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Publication History

1996

1996

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The present study examined the effect of the MeOH extract, partially purified fraction (IV), and pure compounds from Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) on the morphine withdrawal in guinea pig isolated ileum. The MeOH extract, the partially purified fraction (IV), and the pure compounds isolated from A. mexicana significantly and in a concentration-dependent manner reduced the morphine withdrawal. Since the pure compounds were identified as protopine and allocryptopine, the observed effects could be related to these compounds. The results of the present study suggest that isoquinoline alkaloids may be potential agents in the treatment of drug abuse.

Key words

Argemone mexicana - Papaveraceae - drug abuse - morphine withdrawal - isoquinoline alkaloids