V. Chinni Krishnaiah, T. S. Mohamed Saleem, D. Sujatha, B. Pusphakumari, G.Anitha

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the protective role of ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa against acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis. Male Wistar rats received two different doses of extract (250 and 500 mg/kg bw p.o.), sulfasalazine, or vehicle for 3 consecutive days before induction of ulcerative colitis by intra-rectal acetic acid administration, and continued further for 7 days after the induction. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring. Furthermore, the mucosal content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and endogenous antioxidants (GSH, SOD and catalase) activity were considered as parameters of the redox state. Acute inflammatory response was determined by measuring myeloperoxidase (MPO) from rat colon. Effect of Annona squamosa against ulcerative colitis was identified by decreasing mucosal epithelium damage, evident by decrease in macroscopical score, wet weight of the colon. All biochemical parameters were reverting by Annona squamosa treatment in ulcerated rats and the protective role of Annona squamosa was comparable with reference standard sulfasalazine. From this study it has been concluded that Annona squamosa attenuates acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis by reducing oxidative stress in rats.