Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Moringa Olifera Lam. on Acetic Acid Induced Colitis in Albino Rats

To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Moringa olifera Lam. on acetic acid induced colitis in albino rats ethanolic extract of Moringa olifera was prepared by percolation method. Acute toxicity test was done by using OECD guidelines. Albino rats were divided into four groups (n=5). Group A and B received 3% gum acacia. Group C and D received ethanolic extract of Moringa olifera (EEMO) 500 mg/kg BW and 5-aminosalisylic acid (5-ASA) 100 mg /kg BW respectively. Colitis was induced by transrectal administration of 4% acetic acid on 5th day. All animals were sacrificed after 48 hour of colitis induction and distal 10 cm of the colon was dissected. Colon was weighed for disease activity index (DAI) and scored macroscopically and microscopically. Biochemical assessment of tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was done in colonic tissue homogenate and malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated in serum. Moringa olifera showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in DAI, macroscopic and microscopic lesion score as well as significant (p<0.05) improvement in MPO, MDA, CAT, and SOD level as compared to Group B. The ethanolic extract of leaves of Moringa olifera showed significant amelioration of experimentally induced colitis, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property.