Publication:

Potential effect of ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum (L.) against acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in albino rats

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the colon characterized by mucosal inflammation, ulceration, and disruption of intestinal homeostasis Abutilon indicum (L.), a traditionally used medicinal plant in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, has been reported to possess various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and wound healing effects. However, its potential role in the management of ulcerative colitis remains inadequately explored and requires scientific validation.

Methods Animals were treated for 11 days in different groups. Group I received normal saline, Group II received distilled water, Group III received sulfasalazine, and Groups IV & V received Abutilon indicum extract at two doses. On day 8, ulcerative colitis was induced in Groups II-V using 4% acetic acid administered rectally. On day 11, animals were anesthetized, blood samples were collected, and colon tissues were preserved for analysis (cytokine study and histopathology).

Results The study showed that ethanolic extract of Abutilon indicum leaves has significant anti-ulcerative colitis activity against acetic acid-induced colitis. Both doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) were effective, but 500 mg/kg showed better results. This effect was confirmed by reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-a, IL-6), decreased colon weight-length ratio, and improved histopathological findings.

Conclusions The findings suggest that the plant possesses promising anti-colitic potential and may serve as a natural therapeutic candidate for the management of ulcerative colitis. Further studies are warranted to isolate the active constituents, elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, and establish its clinical efficacy and safety.