Gastro protective effect of Agave americana Linn. leaf extract in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats

Abstract

Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the gastro protective effect of Agave americana Linn. leaf extract in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats using prednisolone as standard drug. Methods: Male Wistar rats were pretreated with A. americana leaf extract in the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg orally daily for 7 days. On 8th and 9th day indomethacin was administered (7.5 mg/kg, s.c.) to induce enterocolitis. The treatment was continued until 11th day. On 11th day animals were sacrificed and dissected open to remove ileum, cecum, and colon. Flushed gently with saline, cut open and inflammation was assessed based on the physical parameters, scoring of ulcer, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lipidperoxidase (LPO) activity. Results: A. americana leaf extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease (P < 0.001) in ulcer scores for inflammation. Both prednisolone and A. americana have retained total body weight significantly (P < 0.01). Significant decrease (P < 0.001) in MPO and LPO activity was also observed. Histopathology of extract treated group showed reduced intensity of edema, inflammatory cellular infiltration, crypt damage and ulceration at mucosal and submucosal layers compared to induce control group. Conclusion: The above findings prove that, A. americana Linn. leaf extract has protective effect against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis.