Investigation of protective effects of Harpagophytum procumbens extract in an experimental rat colitis model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Harpagophytum procumbens (HP) extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis and antioxidant mechanisms in a rat colitis model induced by acetic acid. 40 Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups: (1) Control, (2) HP, (3) Colitis, (4) Colitis + HP, (5) Colitis + Sulfasalazine. Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), ceruloplasmin and sialic acid levels were analyzed in blood samples. In addition colon tissues were evaluated histopathologically and immunohistochemically (B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax)). A significant decrease in serum MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, sialic acid levels, and an increase in serum SOD, TAS, ceruplasmin levels were observed in Colitis + HP group compared to Colitis group. On the other hand, HP administration moderately reduced histopathological damage. It was detected immunohistochemically (Bcl-2, Bax) that apoptosis levels increased in the Colitis group and decreased with HP application. HP administration ameliorated the biochemical and pathological changes caused by colitis in rats. According to the results obtained in this study; HP might have a protective effect by suppressing of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis and reduced oxidative stress in colitis.