Ameliorative effects of Triphala on mucosal damage in rat model of ulcerative colitis

Abstract

In Ayurvedic practice, Triphala is widely used in gastric problems including constipation, large intestinal inflammation and colitis. The present research was planned to assess the ameliorative effects of Triphala formulations in reducing the magnitude and severity of ulcerative colitis. Triphala formulations prepared by mixing three fruits, Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia belerica) and Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) in different ratios i.e., 1:1:1 (Triphala equal) and 1:2:4 (Triphala unequal) as per classical references. Wistar albino rats were administered with two ml of acetic acid (4% v/v) in intra-colonic lumen for induction of colitis. The efficacy of Triphala was measured on various parameters namely, in vivo fluid absorption in tied-off colon, ulcer score and colonic mucosal parameters. The degree of alteration in colonic fluid transport was significantly reversed by Triphala equal, Triphala unequal and sulphasalzine as standard drug. Triphala formulations significantly attenuated the nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde MDA) levels in mucosa of rat colon. Pre-treatment with Triphala unequal formulation attenuated the severity of the colonic macroscopic damage score, histologic injury and counteracted the depletion of glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity hence, reduced the oxidative stress in colonic mucosa. Triphala unequal formulation has better protective effects. Outcomes of the present study reveal the usefulness of Triphala formulations in attenuating the colonic inflammation in experimental-induced ulcerative colitis.