Healing Effects of Elaeagnus angustifolia Extract in Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Abstract

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease that involves mostly the mucosa of the colon and increases the possibility of colon cancer. Elaeagnus angustifolia is one of traditional herbal medicines widely used for treatment of digestive diseases. In the present study, 70 Sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups including negative control, positive control, enamel gel 10 and 20%, edible extract 300 and 600 mg and also pure base gel enema groups. Ulcerative colitis was induced by 3% acetic acid enema in all rats except negative control group. Positive control group received distilled water enema and all treatment groups received gel enema or edible extract daily during two weeks. Histopathological findings in the colon including regeneration and healing of mucosa, erosion and ulceration, cryptitis, cystic dilatation of the crypts and aggregation of inflammatory cells were compared in all control and experimental groups. The results showed edible extract 600 mg had the best effect on healing process. Edible extract 300 mg and 20% gel had lesser effects. In conclusion, 600 mg kgG1 edible extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia can be used for improvement of healing process in colon ulcers.