A comparative study of the effect of Asacol and the ethanolic extracts of Matricaria chamomilla and Terminalia chebula on induced ulcerative colitis in rabbits

Abstract

Twenty four local rabbits were used in this study separated into four groups. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was induced in all rabbits by rectal administration of 5% glacial acetic acid-30% ethanol (GAA 5%). Animals in the control group were orally (p.o) administered with distilled water, group 2 was administered with Asacol at a dose of 800 mg/kg BW/day p.o., where as group 3 was given ethanolic extract of Chamomile at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW/day p.o, and finally; the rabbits of group four were received 1000 mg/kg BW/day p.o of ethanolic extract of Haritaki.

    Each of the above agents was administered two days prior to induction of UC (as a single daily dose), the day of induction, and a dose 22 hours post-induction (i.e., 2 hours prior to sacrificing of the animal). The effects were observed as changes in the serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium), changes in haematological aspects including; Total white blood cell count (total WBC), lymphocytes count, Red blood cell count (RBC), Blood haemoglobin (HGB), and Packed cell volume (PCV%). Besides the examination of gross and histopathological changes of the colon segments for all the tested rabbits.

    In conclusion, GAA 5%-induced colitis in rabbits is preferred for testing the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effectiveness of new therapeutic modalities. Asacol showed high potent anti-inflammatory and protective effect against ulceration and inflammation of colon. As well as, ethanolic extracts of both Chamomile and Haritaki have an accepted prophylactic activity against GAA 5%-induced colitis in rabbits through correction of the changed electrolytes, haematological parameters and histopathological signs.