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

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.