The ameliorating potential of Citrus aurantifolia peel extract in the 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid model of mice colitis.

Introduction: The number of inflammatory bowel diseases cases has increased throughout the years. Since, the current therapeutic methods have their adverse effects, this is leading to the development of alternative therapy derived from natural products.

Materials and methods: In the present study, our objective was to explore the potential of Citrus aurantifolia peel extract (CAPE) on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in mice. Twenty-eight male Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: (1) normal group, (2) TNBS group, (3) 125 mg/kg CAPE group and (4) 250 mg/kg CAPE group. Colitis was induced through rectal administration of TNBS. The anti-inflammatory effects of CAPE against colitis were assessed by body weight, DAI score, colonic length, weight-to-length ratio, haematology profile and histopathological examinations.

Results: Our results showed that CAPE maintained the body weight of mice, repressed the increase of DAI score, maintained mice colonic length and weight, improved blood profile and suppressed the excessive production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Furthermore, CAPE improved the histopathological score of colitis mice.

Conclusion: All the findings of this study suggested that Citrus aurantifolia peel extract may be a potential natural agent for protecting mice against TNBS-induced colitis.