The Effect of Intracolonic Matricaria recutita L. Aqueous Extract on Acetic Acid- induced Ulcerative Colitis in Adult Male Rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammation of the colon that results from an abnormal response by the body’s immune system. Our previous study has shown that oral Matricaria recutita L. aqueous external because of its anti-inflammatory compounds decreased a number of UC inflammatory indices. In the present study, we evaluate the effect of rectal aqueous extract on a model of acute experimental colitis and compare it with prednisolone. Experiments were performed on six groups (n=7) of male Wistar rats (230-280 g). Of these, three groups were rectally administered different doses of extract (20, 30 and 60 mg/kg), the fourth group received oral prednisolone, the fifth group received vehicle and the last group was considered as the control group. To induce colitis, the rats fasted for 36 hours after which they received ether as an anesthesia. At the last stage, 2 ml of 4% acetic acid was instilled via the anus. After 24 hours, macroscopic study confirmed the colitis induction. The doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg of extract significantly reduced the colon weight/length ratio. The same effect was observed with prednisolone (1.14 mg/kg). Extract at all doses (20, 30 and 60 mg/kg) significantly reduced the ulcer index compared to the sham group. Extract (60 mg/kg) effectively decreased the severity and extent of inflammation compared to the prednisolone group. Intracolonic injection of Matricaria recutita L. aqueous extract was effective in treatment against acetic acid-induced colitis in rats.