Thymol Nanopolymer Synthesis and Its Effects on Morphine Withdrawal Syndrome in Comparison With Clonidine in Rats

The drug delivery system is valuable in the treatment of the disease. A nanopolymer as a thymol and <i>Thymbra spicata</i> release system was synthesized and its effects on morphine withdrawal syndrome in comparison with clonidine in rats were studied. The nanopolymer was characterized by different methods, namely, IR, HNMR, CNMR, GPC, DLS, and AFM. Thymol in <i>T. spicata</i> extract was assessed. The loading and release rate of thymol and <i>T. spicata</i> extract on the nanopolymer were evaluated by HPLC. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of the <i>T. spicata</i> extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer was studied. The frequency of jumping, rearing, and teeth chattering in naloxone-induced morphine withdrawal syndrome was studied. Synthesized nanopolymer was desirable as a carrier for the drug. The loaded amount of extract and thymol on nanopolymer was estimated 55 ± 3.2% and 48 ± 2.6% and the drug released was 71 and 68%, respectively. LD₅₀ of the <i>T. spicata</i> extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer was 975, 580, 1,250, and 650 mg/kg, respectively. This study showed that thymol nanopolymer was more effective than clonidine to reduce the frequency of morphine withdrawal symptoms. Our results suggest that <i>T. spicata</i> extract, thymol, extract nanopolymer, and thymol nanopolymer are mighty in reducing the narcotic withdrawal signs. The mechanism of action and therapeutic potential is maybe similar to clonidine.