The benefits of hydroalcoholic extracts of Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) on experimental ulcerative colitis in Wistar rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Commonly prescribed medications for UC, including prednisolone, may result in significant adverse effects. Consequently, exploring treatment options with fewer side effects is crucial. This research investigated the impact of hydroalcoholic extracts derived from the Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) on rats induced with UC. Wistar rats were divided into five groups. The groups included a Normal group, a UC-induced group (UC), a UC-induced group treated with 100 mg/kg of Opuntia ficus-indica (UC+Opun), a UC-induced group receiving 5 mg/kg of prednisolone (UC+Pred), and a UC-induced group administered both 50 mg/kg of Opuntia ficus-indica and 2 mg/kg of prednisolone (UC+Com). The findings indicated that the group receiving combination therapy experienced the most significant reduction in disease severity, highlighting its potential effectiveness in treatment. However, no notable differences were observed between the groups administered Opuntia ficus-indica extracts and those receiving prednisolone. Regarding nitric oxide (NO) activity, the combination therapy groups did not exhibit significant variations. Similarly, the myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay revealed no significant differences between the prednisolone and combination groups. While liver enzyme activity did not show substantial differences across the groups, a marked increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was noted in the prednisolone group, indicating possible liver damage. The inflammatory cytokine genes IL-1, TNF, and IL-6 did not present significant differences between the prednisolone and combination therapy groups, although all three cytokines demonstrated a decrease during treatment. The study suggests that Nopal Cactus extracts could be an excellent alternative to prednisolone for treating UC. It is recommended that the plant extract be used along with a low dose of prednisolone to minimize side effects. This research offers hopeful possibilities for improving UC treatment and lessening prednisolone's adverse effects.

The benefits of hydroalcoholic extracts of Nopal Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) on experimental ulcerative colitis in Wistar rats Keywords:

Inflammatory bowel disease , Autoimmune disease , Plant therapy , Nopal cactus