Ulcerative colitis induced with acetic acid is ameliorated by Antrocaryon micraster through reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 in sprague dawley rats

Background: Antrocaryon micraster possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. These properties are shared by medicinal plants that have demonstrated beneficial effects in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Objectives: To assess the effect of the total ethanol stem bark of A. micraster extract (AME) on damage to the rat colon in acetic acid-induced colitis. Materials and Methods: Rats were pretreated with sulphasalazine 500 mg/kg or AME 30, 100, and 300 mg/kg daily for 3 days after which colitis was induced in test animals with acetic acid (4% V/V). Rats were sacrificed 24 h later and blood samples were obtained for hematological and cytokine assays. Colons were dissected for assessment of macroscopic and microscopic damage. Results: AME treatment modified hematological parameters and reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6. Macroscopic assessment showed that AME reduced mucosal erythema, edema, erosions, bleeding, and ulceration. Histology showed preserved mucosal architecture, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased mucosal thickening, preserved goblet cell numbers, and inhibition of mast cell proliferation and degranulation in the colons. Conclusion: Taken together, the total ethanol stem bark AME exerts ameliorative effects on damage to the rat colon in acetic acid-induced colitis.