A new and novel treatment of opioid dependence: Nigella sativa 500 mg.
BACKGROUND
Opioid dependence is one of the major social and psychiatric problem of society. Unfortunately there is no non opiate treatment available. For centuries man has used plants for their healing proprieties. These plants play a fundamental part in all treatment modalities, both ancient and modern.


METHODS
This study was conducted to find non opiate treatment for opiate withdrawal. Total 35 known addicts of opiates were included in the study. This study was based on DSM IV criteria for opioid dependence.


RESULTS
This study demonstrates that non opioid treatment for opioid addiction decreases the withdrawal effects significantly. It further demonstrates that there are no changes in physiological parameters of subjects during treatment (BP, Pulse rate etc.). There is increased appetite but no significant weight gain in the subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
Non opioid drug Nigella sativa is effective in long-term treatment of opioid dependence. It not merely cures the opioid dependence but also cures the infections and weakness from which majority of addicts suffer.
Sangi
Sibghatullah
S
Department of Pharmacology, Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi.
Ahmed
Shahida P
SP
Channa
Muhammad Aslam
MA
Ashfaq
Muhammad
M
Mastoi
Shah Murad
SM
D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D031881:Nigella sativa; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010936:Plant Extracts