Anti-colitic Activity of Matricaria Pubescens Alkaloid Extract in DNBS-Induced Mouse Model of Colitis

Background:: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine, including Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis. Their etiology remains unknown, and their pathogenesis is complex and multifactorial, involving immune dysregulation, genetic and environmental factors, and alterations in the gut microbiota. Matricaria pubescens, categorized as a member of the Asteraceae taxonomic classification, has been used for a long time in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments, including inflammation and gastric disorders. The plant contains alkaloids with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This research aims to evaluate the intestinal anti-inflammatory properties of the alkaloid extract derived from Matricaria pubescens (AMP) using a murine model of colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). Methods:: Female BALB/c mice with colitis received an intrarectal injection of DNBS in 50% ethanol (v/v). Both AMP extract at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg and dexamethasone (2.4 mg/kg) were administered via oral gavage. Colon tissues were isolated to assess the development of the disease using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. In addition, biochemical markers were measured in colon samples, including Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced Glutathione (GSH), and Myeloperoxidase Activity (MPO). Results:: Our results demonstrated that the AMP extract significantly reduced macroscopic colonic damage by 44–76% and microscopic lesion scores by 26–68% in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.001), indicating restoration of tissue cytoarchitecture and improved mucosal integrity. The extract also significantly decreased MPO activity and MDA levels and increased GSH levels in a dose-dependent manner in colonic tissues; all changes were statistically significant (p <001). Discussion:: These results demonstrate that AMP reduces oxidative stress and neutrophil infiltration in the colon, which reinforces its potential as an intestinal protective agent. Conclusion:: Our results revealed that AMP exhibits intestinal anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which suggest that AMP can be used to prevent inflammatory and oxidant conditions.