Ameliorative effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, positive control group (acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis), cinnamon extract treated group (150mg/kg/day) and treated group with prednisolone (4mg/kg/day). After 10 consecutive days, the rats were euthanized and examined for the production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress indices in the intestinal tissue. Data showed that both therapies could reduce the cumulative disease score. The results also indicated that treatment with cinnamon caused a more benefit in restoring the total antioxidant capacity of the colonic specimens of the colitis-induced rats compared to treatment with prednisolone. The levels of myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide were down-regulated in the colons of cinnamon treated rats more than prednisolone groups. Prednisolone significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines more than colitis rats treated with cinnamon extract. The levels of COX-2 were decreased and conversely, the total protein content of colonic homogenates was increased in the colons of both treatment groups in a non-significant manner, compared to untreated colitis rats. These results demonstrated cinnamon as herbal medicine is a promising strategy to improve the inflammation in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. It is logical to consider some of the beneficial effects of cinnamon extract associated with its direct antioxidant benefits, along with its direct anti-inflammatory benefits.