The effect of woody endocarpium of walnut alcoholic extract on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Abstract

Various pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties were shown for woody endocarpium of walnut alcoholic extract (WEW). In the study, the effect of the WEW extract in acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in rats was evaluated. Thiol, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gastric acid levels and pathological changes in the colon were investigated in the control group (C), ulcerative colitis group (UC), UC groups treated with WEW extract (10, 20, and 50 mg/kg) and sulfasalazine. Levels of gastric acid, MDA and pathological scores in colon were increased but SOD, GPX and thiol levels were decreased in UC animals compared to those of the control group (p<0.001). Treatment with the highest concentration of extract significantly improved level of thiol and pathological scores compared to the UC group (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment with the two higher concentrations of extract also significantly decreased acid level compared to the UC group (p<0.01 to p<0.001). There was significant improvement in MDA due to treatment with the all concentrations of the extract (p<0.001). Sulfasalazine treatment also significantly improved most parameters compared to the UC group but did not changed pathological scores (p<0.05 to p<0.001). These results indicated a possible preventive therapeutic effect for the WEW extract on UC.

Keywords:
WEW; Oxidative stress; Gastric acid; Inflammation; Ulcerative colitis