Preventive effect of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) in dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in rat

Abstract

Inflammation and oxidative stress are a common mechanism of many gastrointestinal diseases such ulcerative colitis. Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may play an interesting role in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. In this context, we examined the protective effect of carob pods aqueous extract (CPAE) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced sub-acute experimental ulcerative colitis in a rat model. Colon inflammation was induced in rats by oral administration of synthetic DSS (5%) in the drinking water over 7 days. However, CPAE (50 and 100 mg kg⁻¹ body weight) was given by oral administration for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period, the colon and plasma were examined for lipid peroxidation and cytokine determination as well as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and antioxidant enzyme activities. Our result indicated that DSS caused severe histopathological damage in the colon mucosa. The lesions were associated with increased MPO activity, cytokines and oxidative damage. The CPAE treatment restored dose-dependent body weight gain, prevented colonic shortening and reduced the severity of colonic lesions and biochemical alterations. It was concluded that CPAE consumption limits DSS-induced colonic damage in rats. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols may play a role in this effect.