Effect of Alternanthera brasiliana in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in albino rats

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract with limited therapeutic options. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana in acetic acid-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in albino rats. Methods: A total of 36 animals were included in the study. Animals were divided into six groups (n = 6 ): group I - control (normal saline), group II-AA+ normal saline, group III-Sulfasalazine (360mg/kg)+AA, group IV A-methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana (300 mg/kg), group IV B-methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana (600 mg/kg)+AA, group IV C-methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana (900 mg/kg)+AA. Group IV was divided into three subgroups, namely IVA, IV B and IV C, on the basis of different doses of methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana . After completion of 7 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed under ether anesthesia for assessment of intestinal inflammation using parameters namely colon weight change, macroscopic and histopathological evaluation. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in colonic weight, macroscopic scores and microscopic scores in groups treated with methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana at a dose of 600 mg/kg. Conclusions: The present study indicates the efficacy of methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana in acetic acid-induced IBD. The effects are more pronounced at a dose of 600 mg/kg than at 300 mg/kg and 900 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Alternanthera brasiliana .