Foeniculum Vulgare Essential Oil Ameliorates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats Through the Inhibition of Nf-Kb Pathway Publisher Pubmed



Rezayat SM^{1, 2} ; Dehpour AR^{1, 3} ; Motamed SM⁴ ; Yazdanparast M³ ; Chamanara M¹ ; Sahebgharani M¹ ; Rashidian A¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Inflammopharmacology Published:2018

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil on intestinal inflammation through the inhibition of NF-kB pathway in acetic acid-induced rat colitis. Methods: Acute colitis was induced by intra-rectal administration of 2 mL of diluted acetic acid (4%) solution. Two hours after the induction of colitis, 0.2% tween 80 in normal saline, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) and F. vulgare essential oil (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) were administered to the animals by oral gavage and continued for 5 consecutive days. Assessment of macroscopic and microscopic lesions was done. MPO activity was evaluated by biochemical method. Furthermore, TNF-α activity was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the expression level of p-NF-kB p65 protein was measured by western blot analysis. Results: Dexamethasone and F. vulgare essential oil (200, 400 mg/kg) reduced the macroscopic and microscopic lesions compared to the acetic acid group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). In addition, these agents decreased the activity of MPO (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and the expression of TNF-α positive cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) in the colon tissue compared to acetic acid group. Furthermore, they inhibited acetic acid-induced expression of p-NF-kB p65 protein (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). Conclusion: It is proposed that the anti-inflammatory activity of F. vulgare essential oil on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats may involve the inhibition of NF-kB pathway. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG.