Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is distinct by severe inflammation of intestinal epithelial tissue and more than 2 million people worldwide are affected with ulcerative colitis. This disease is primarily driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. Objectives: To identify a safer remedy with less/no adverse effect, we investigated the beneficial ability of Carthamus tinctorius L. extracts to alleviate multi-factorial conditions like oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation in Trinitro benzenesulfonic acid induced experimental ulcerative colitis in mice. Materials and Methods: Ulcerative colitis in Balb/c mice were induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS. Hydroalcoholic Carthamus tinctorius L. extracts were supplemented orally and all mice were observed and scored for clinical manifestations. After sacrificing mice, inflammatory markers, colonic oxidative stress levels, and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Histological features of the colon were also analyzed. Results: Supplementing the TNBS-induced group with the plant extracts suppressed oxidative stress, enhanced cytoprotective antioxidants, and reduced inflammation. The histological evaluation also showed restoration of damaged tissues. Conclusion: Our findings indicate the curative ability of the hydroalcoholic Carthamus tinctorius L. extracts and can be a good therapeutic candidate to treat Ulcerative colitis.
Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, TNBS, Carthamus tinctorius L., Oxidative stress, Inflammation.