Exploring the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium induced ulcerative colitis in mice

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of Punica granatum in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced ulcerative colitis. DSS (2%) was administered orally in drinking water for 7 days to induce ulcerative colitis. The extent and severity of ulceration was analysed macroscopically, histopathologically and using a disease activity index. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), a specific marker of inflammation; histamine, a marker of mast cell degranulation; superoxide anion generation and, lipid peroxides were analysed. Administration of DSS resulted in a significant development of ulceration in the colon along with a rise in histamine, MPO activity and oxidative stress. Treatment with Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) significantly attenuated DSS-induced colonic inflammation along with attenuation of histamine, MPO and oxidative stress. The antiulcerative effect of Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid rich fraction were comparable to sulphasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and sodium cromoglycate (40 mg/kg i.p). It is concluded that Punica granatum has a potential for ameliorating DSS-induced colitis and its ellagic acid rich fraction may be responsible for this effect. Further, the antiulcerative effects may be attributed to mast cell stabilizing, antiinflammatory and antioxidant actions.

Protective effect of ellagic acid, a natural polyphenolic compound, in a murine model of Crohn's disease

“…Our results are in agreement with previous reports from Ogawa et al [15] and Singh et al [16] with microspheres of ellagic and an ellagic acid rich fraction of Punica granatum extract in dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis. In a similar way, there has also been described the protective effect of ellagic acid on gastric damage induced in ischemic rat stomachs following ammonia or reperfusion [26].…”

“…Previous reports, have documented that microspheres of ellagic acid [15] and a Punica granatum extract in addition to its ellagic acid rich fraction [16] decreased the degree of inflammation associated with experimental dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Intra-colonic administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) is one of standardized methods to produce an experimental model of IBD, which closely mimic the clinical and morphological features of IBD in particular Crohn's disease [17].…”

Current and Novel Treatments for Ulcerative Colitis

“…Furthermore, it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic effects and is cardio-protective (161-163). Singh et al (164) explored the effect of Punica granatum extract and its component, ellagic acid, in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model and found significant attenuation of colonic inflammation. Mast cell degranulation, which releases various inflammatory mediators, including histamine, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and the use of mast cell stabilizers have been documented to attenuate the severity of ulcerative colitis in humans (165).…”

“…Mast cell degranulation, which releases various inflammatory mediators, including histamine, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis and the use of mast cell stabilizers have been documented to attenuate the severity of ulcerative colitis in humans (165). Singh et al (164) found that Punica granatum extract and its ellagic acid component had anti-ulcerative effects comparable to sodium cromoglycate (mast cell stabilser) and sulphasalazine (standard first line treatment for ulcerative colitis).…”

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“…Various plantsare also reported to be useful in IBD due to their immune modulatory antiulcerogenic property and anti-inflammatory property. [6][7][8][9][10] The plant Ricinus communis belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is also known as castor in English, erand in Hindi, erendo and ereandi in Guajarati.…”