title: Methanolic Extract ofMorinda citrifoliaL. (Noni) Unripe Fruit Attenuates Ethanol-Induced Conditioned Place Preferences in Mice.
abstract: Phytotherapy is an emerging field successfully utilized to treat various chronic diseases including alcohol dependence. In the present study, we examined the effect of the standardized methanolic extract ofMorinda citrifoliaLinn. unripe fruit (MMC), on compulsive ethanol-seeking behavior using the mouse conditioned place preference (CPP) test. CPP was established by injections of ethanol (2 g/kg, i.p.) in a 12-day conditioning schedule in mice. The effect of MMC and the reference drug, acamprosate (ACAM), on the reinforcing properties of ethanol in mice was studied by the oral administration of MMC (1, 3, and 5 g/kg) and ACAM (300 mg/kg) 60 min prior to the final CPP test postconditioning. Furthermore, CPPs weakened with repeated testing in the absence of ethanol over the next 12 days (extinction), during which the treatment groups received MMC (1, 3, and 5 g/kg, p.o.) or ACAM (300 mg/kg, p.o.). Finally, a priming injection of a low dose of ethanol (0.4 g/kg, i.p.) in the home cage (Reinstatement) was sufficient to reinstate CPPs, an effect that was challenged by the administration of MMC or ACAM. MMC (3 and 5 g/kg, p.o.) and ACAM (300 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reversed the establishment of ethanol-induced CPPs and effectively facilitated the extinction of ethanol CPP. In light of these findings, it has been suggested thatM. citrifoliaunripe fruit could be utilized for novel drug development to combat alcohol dependence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Yasmin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Vijayapandi
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pandy
keywords: Morinda citrifolia; conditioned place preference; dependence; ethanol; extinction; reinstatement