Protective effect of myricetin in dextran sulphate sodium-induced murine ulcerative colitis

In the present study, the protective effect of myricetin administered orally at 200, 100 or 50 mg/kg for 10 days was evaluated in a murine model of acute experimental colitis induced by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Macroscopic analysis was carried out to determine the effect of myricetin on pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory markers and oxidative damage in biopsies of colonic tissues. The results showed that treatment with myricetin ameliorated body weight loss in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced histology scores. Myricetin decreased the production of nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Furthermore, the levels of the cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased. Taken together, the results suggest that the anticolitis effects of myricetin may be attributed to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Additional investigation is required to determine the detailed mechanisms of action.