Protective effect of hydroalcoholic root extract of Rubia cordifolia in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats

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.