EFFECT OF FICUS HISPIDA IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Background:  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an immune-mediated chronic intestinal condition. Conventional treatment regimens utilizing corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory and other immunosuppressive therapies have major limitations owing to their associated side effects and compliance issues. Objectives:  To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Ficus hispida Linn. in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in suitable experimental animal models (albino rats) in comparison with standard drug. Methods: Healthy albino rats were divided into 6 groups (control, standard & Test I, II & III) of 6 animals each. Colitis was induced by intra-colonic administration of acetic acid under anaesthesia. Then the animals were fed with gum acacia (control), standard drug (sulfasalazine) and test drug (FH) according to their groups. At the end of 14 days, blood sample was collected for serum LDH estimation. The animals were then sacrificed, colon excised and assessed for disease activity index (DAI), colon mucosal damage index (CMDI). Plant extract was also subjected to NO scavenging activity analysis. Results:  The results were analysed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s t test. The ethanolic extract of FH produced a significant improvement in both morphological and histopathological score compared to standard drug sulfasalazine. There was also a dose dependent reduction in serum LDH level in the test group. FH also showed NO scavenging activity. Conclusion:  FH is effective in the treatment of IBD. It is due to its anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity.