Methanolic Leaf Extract of Dissotis Rotundifolia Alleviates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Dissotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Triana has been used locally in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as painful swellings and conjunctivitis. This study aimed at investigating the effect of Dissotis rotundifolia in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis. Sprague Dawley rats were administered with Dissotis rotundifolia extract at doses 30, 100 and 300 mg kg -1 or sulfasalazine 500 mg kg -1 for 8 days. On the 4 th day of treatment, colitis was induced by intrarectal administration of 1 ml, 4 %v/v acetic acid. On day 8, animals were sacrificed and parameters such as microscopic and macroscopic colon damage assessed. The extract exhibited significant (P < 0.0001) reduction in microscopic and macroscopic colon damage. 30 and 300 mg kg -1 of the extract significantly (P < 0.0001) inhibited weight loss and colon oedema. The leaf extract of Dissotis rotundifolia showed significant amelioration of acetic acidinduced ulcerative colitis which may be attributable to its anti-inflammatory effect.