Ameliorative effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats. Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, positive control group (acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis), cinnamon extract treated group (150mg/kg/day) and treated group with prednisolone (4mg/kg/day). After 10 consecutive days, the rats were euthanized and examined for the production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress indices in the intestinal tissue. Results: Data showed that both therapies could reduce the cumulative disease score. The results also indicated that treatment with cinnamon caused a more benefit in restoring the total antioxidant capacity of the colonic specimens of the colitisinduced rats compared to treatment with prednisolone. The levels of myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide were down-regulated in the colons of cinnamon treated rats more than prednisolone groups. Prednisolone significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines more than colitis rats treated with cinnamon extract. The levels of COX-2 were decreased and conversely, the total protein content of colonic homogenates was increased in the colons of both treatment groups in a nonsignificant manner, compared to untreated colitis rats. Conclusion: These results demonstrated cinnamon as herbal medicine is a promising strategy to improve the inflammation in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. It is logical to consider some of the beneficial effects of cinnamon extract associated with its direct antioxidant benefits, along with its direct anti-inflammatory benefits.