Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is distinct by severe inflammation of intestinal epithelial
tissue and more than 2 million people worldwide are affected with ulcerative colitis.
This disease is primarily driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. Objectives: To
identify a safer remedy with less/no adverse effect, we investigated the beneficial ability
of
Carthamus tinctorius L. extracts to alleviate multi-factorial conditions like oxidative
stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation in Trinitro benzenesulfonic acid induced
experimental ulcerative colitis in mice. Materials and Methods: Ulcerative colitis in Balb/c
mice were induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS. Hydroalcoholic
Carthamus
tinctorius L. extracts were supplemented orally and all mice were observed and scored
for clinical manifestations. After sacrificing mice, inflammatory markers, colonic oxidative
stress levels, and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Histological features of the colon
were also analyzed. Results: Supplementing the TNBS-induced group with the plant
extracts suppressed oxidative stress, enhanced cytoprotective antioxidants, and reduced
inflammation. The histological evaluation also showed restoration of damaged tissues.
Conclusion: Our findings indicate the curative ability of the hydroalcoholic
Carthamus
tinctorius L. extracts and can be a good therapeutic candidate to treat Ulcerative colitis.
Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, TNBS,
Carthamus tinctorius L., Oxidative stress,
Inflammation.