Protective Effect of Chloroform Extract of Cyperus Rotundus against DNBS Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Rats

Abstract

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Cyperus rotundus on DNBS (Dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid) induced IBD in experimental rats. The experimental protocol (Protocol No. 9012 dated 26th Dec 2009) was approved by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee of Anand Pharmacy College. Colitis was induced with DNBS (180 mg/kg in 50% ethanol) intracolonically in animals on the 11th day of the study. Animals were fasted for 24 h prior to study, given access to water ad libitum. Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to seven groups for the main studies. Group I served as the normal control. Group II served as vehicle control which received 50% ethanol intracolonically on 11th day of the study. Group III served as Model control. Animals of Group IV to VII were given the Standard drug 5-Amino Salicylic Acid (5-ASA) (100 mg/kg), chloroform extract of Cyperus rotundus (CHCR) (600 mg/kg) , CHCR (800 mg/kg ) and CMC suspension respectively for 18 days once a day orally. Colitis was induced in animals of Group III–VII. During the study body weight, total food intake and water intake of each group was measured daily. Stool consistency was measured for each group daily after induction and scored from 0 to 2, the average score was calculated. On 18th day, blood was collected for the estimation of cortisol. The colon was removed from euthanized rats, length and weight of it was measured. Colon from all the groups was stored in the formalin (10%) for the histopathology study and microscopic scoring. Remaining colon tissues were opened along the antimesenteric border and scored for macroscopic parameters like Colon mucosal Disease index (CMDI). Colon homogenate was prepared and was used for estimation of various biochemical parameters Nitric oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD). DNBS Model control animals showed significant reduction in percent change in body weight, water intake, food intake, SOD, colon length and significant increase colon weight, MDA, MPO, NO, CMDI, DAI and serum Cortisol level. Pretreatment with 5-ASA (100 mg/kg), CHCR (600 mg/kg) and CHCR (800 mg/kg) significantly prevented these changes induced by DNBS. CHCR was found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities which was beneficial to reduce the severity of the IBD induced by DNBS intracolonically administration in rats. Thus, Cyperus rotundus is effective, safe and economical and can be used as an alternative for the treatment of IBD patients.

Keywords: Cyperus rotundus, inflammatory bowel disease, DNBS, 5-Amino Salicylic Acid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant