Ulceroprotective Effects of <i>Epilobium angustifolium</i> Extract in DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with recurrent inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. Conventional treatments, including corticosteroids, have significant side effects, driving the need for safer, effective alternatives. The present study...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Current Issues in Molecular Biology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/6/444 |
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| Summary: | Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) associated with recurrent inflammation and ulceration of the colonic mucosa. Conventional treatments, including corticosteroids, have significant side effects, driving the need for safer, effective alternatives. The present study aimed to investigate the mitigating effects of <i>Epilobium angustifolium</i> extract (EAE) in a Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, in a comparative manner to the reference drug dexamethasone (DXM). The severity and progression of colitis were evaluated through disease activity indices and a range of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, assessed using multiple analytical methods. EAE treatment significantly reduced colonic inflammation, as indicated by decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced white blood cell counts. EAE also enhanced antioxidant defenses, increasing glutathione (GSH) levels by 64%, and boosting catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities by 36%, 53%, and 70%, respectively. Histopathological analysis confirmed EAE’s efficacy in attenuating colonic injury and inflammation. The blood parameters hemoglobin, erythrocytes, and hematocrit were also improved. Our study shows that EAE has potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for the treatment of UC, demonstrating efficacy comparable to that of conventional pharmacological treatments. |
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| ISSN: | 1467-3037 1467-3045 |