This study was undertaken to investigate the possible effect of hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia against
indomethacin-induced
enterocolitis in rats. Male Wistar rats received vehicle or hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia (300 and 600 mg/kg) for 11 consecutive days.
Enterocolitis was induced by subcutaneous administration of
indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) on 8(th) and 9(th) day. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic scoring and histopathological examination. Furthermore, the serum
lactate dehydrogenase activity was estimated.
Indomethacin treatment to rats produced acute intestinal
inflammation, manifested by a thickening of the bowel wall, mesenteric haemorrhage, mesentery adhesion and multiple mucosal
ulcers of small intestine and colon. Treatment with hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia revealed less damage to intestinal tissue and decreased serum
lactate dehydrogenase activity which was elevated by induction of
colitis. The present data suggests protective effect of Rubia cordifolia in
indomethacin-induced
enterocolitis and may be beneficial in patients with
inflammatory bowel diseases.