ABSTRACT:
Berberis aristata is spinous herb native to Northen Himalya. It is commonly known as Daru haldı and belonging to family Berberidaceae. Traditionally and in Ayurveda, it is used for the ailments related to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. It is used as an intestinal antiseptic, bitter stomachic and also exhibits anti neoplastic properties. The aim of present study was to investigate the effects of alcoholic extract of B. aristata on inflammatory mediators (SOD, MDA, MPO, GSH) and to estimate disease activity index (DAI) in colitis in mice with taking into account the weight loss, stool consistency, and occult/gross bleeding. Colitis in mice was induced by colonic administration of 150 ul (5%) acetic acid once, intra rectally on 8" day. B. aristata extract was administered orally (200, 500, 1000 mg/kg: suspending in distilled water) for 11days. Colon length, spleen weights, ulcer area and ulcer index were measured. Histological changes were observed by H & E staining The results showed that BA extract (500 mg/kg) could significantly ameliorate macroscopic and histological damage, evidently elevate the activities of SOD. reduce the contents of MDA and the level of myeloperoxidase in experimental colitis in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control group. The probable mechanisms of BA may be the modulation of inflammatory mediators and anti oxidant activity.