Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of root extracts of
Astragalus gummifera
and
Astragalus kurdicus
, as well as their protective effects against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC)
in rats.
Methods: The roots of both species were shade-dried, pulverized to fine powder and extracted with 80
% ethanol. The extracts were lyophilized using freeze-dryer, and their anti-inflammatory effects were
evaluated in rats by carrageenan-induced paw edema. In UC study, the extracts, at doses of 200 and
400 mg/kg, were given orally to rats for 5 days, with the last dose given 2 h prior to colitis induction.
Histopathological studies were carried out on the colon tissues. Dexamethasone (DEX) was used as
standard anti-inflammatory drug.
Results: A. gummifera (400 mg/kg) and A. kurdicus (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced
carrageenan-induced edema, offered protection against UC and arrested UC-induced increases in
myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Histological examination of colon sections also revealed evidence of
extract-induced protection from UC.
Conclusion: These results suggest that A. gummifera and A. kurdicus root extracts have promising
potential as sources of anti-inflammatory agents which may be useful in the treatment of UC.
