Therapeutic Effects of Extracts of Elaeagnus Angustifolia in Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rat

Abstract

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the rectal and colonic mucosa. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of Elaeagnus angustifolia and its potential effect in the treatment of colitis, this study aimed to determine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract and chloroform fraction of its fruit in an animal model of induced colitis. Methods: In this study, 63 male Wistar rats (9 groups of 7 each) were used. Hydroalcoholic extract and chloroform fraction of Elaeagnus angustifolia were administered orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, two hours before colitis induction and continued for five days. Prednisolone (4 mg/kg) and normal saline (1 ml/kg) were administered orally as positive and negative control groups, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 24 hours after receiving the last dose (day 6), and colon tissue was weighed and examined microscopically, macroscopically, and for myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity. Findings: A significant difference was observed between the groups regarding the decrease in distal colon weight. All doses of hydroalcoholic extract and two doses of chloroform fraction (200 and 400 mg/kg) improved macroscopic indices and reduced MPO activity. Two doses of hydroalcoholic extract and chloroform fraction (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly improved microscopic indices. Conclusion: Both the hydroalcoholic extract and chloroform fraction of Elaeagnus angustifolia were effective in the treatment of acute induced colitis. With increasing dose, their effectiveness also increased, which is probably due to the biophenols and flavonoids present in the plant. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.