Abstract
Background/Aim: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology. Several therapeutic strategies such as consumption of medicinal plants have been used for its treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible ameliorative effects of the aqueous extract of Vitis vinifera L. seed in experimentally induced UC in mice. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male mice, weighing 25-30 g each, were randomly divided into four equal groups. UC induced by 3% acetic acid and oral doses of V. vinifera L seed extract, 150 and 250 mg/kg, and negative control groups were given normal saline. On the day 5, intestinal histopathology and body weight (BW) changes, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and electrolyte profile plus oxidative stress markers were assayed. Results: Intrarectal administration of 3% acetic acid caused elevation of serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and a decrease in the other parameters such as colonic glutathione (GSH) level and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. Treatment with V. vinifera L. seed extract for 5 days showed a significant increase in the BW of mice was seen in the group given treated with V. vinifera L seed extract 250 mg/kg orally compared with colitis control group during the experimental period. An increase in GSH and CAT activity in response to oral treatment with V. vinifera L seed extract was observed 5 days after treatment. Histological alterations and loss of polysaccharides content observed due to induced colitis and were compensated for after treatment with the V. vinifera L seed extract. Conclusion: Our results indicate that oral treatment from the V. vinifera L seed extract can be offered as potential therapeutic agents for UC in mice.