Antiinflammatory effects of Cordia myxa fruit on experimentally induced colitis in rats

Products of certain species of Cordia are reported to have antiinflammatory properties. In the present study we examined the effects of Cordia myxa fr uit on experimentally induced colitis in rats. Colitis was induced by intra rectal administration of 4% acetic acid. Colitic, normal, and corresponding control animals were included. Body weight was recorded daily. All the ani mals were sacrificed 4 days after the fruit treatment. Colitis was monitore d histologically and by activity of myeloperoxidase. Glutathione peroxidase , superoxide dismutase, as well as total antioxidant status and concentrati ons of zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, and iron were assayed in plasma, liver, and colon using standard methods. Histology of the colon of colitic rats showed acute colitis that was confirmed by a significant increase in t he myeloperoxidase activity. Colitis was associated with significant decrea ses in the tissue activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismu tase and lower concentrations of trace elements. Histologic examination and myeloperoxidase activity showed that the fruit treatment reversed the abov e findings in the inflamed colon, and in liver and plasma of colitic rats. The present results suggest that the observed antiinflammatory effect of th e Cordia myxa may be attributed partly to its antioxidant property and to r estoration of the levels of trace elements in the inflamed colon, liver, an d plasma.