ABSTRACT:
In this study we have investigated the effect of Centella asiatica methanolic extract on acetic acid induced inflammatory bowel disease in albino rats. Total 36 albino rats were taken for the study and divided into four groups (I, II, III, IV) and three subgroups (IVa, IVb, IVc). Group I (control) and Group II (control colitis) received normal saline. Group III received sulfasalazine 360 mg/kg. Group IVa, IVb, IVc received Centella asiatica methanolic extract of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg dose respectively. All animals of above groups were fed orally for 5 days. After 5 days colitis was induced by administering 1ml of 4% acetic acid transrectally. Animals were sacrificed after 48hours of colitis induction and 10 cm colon segment was resected. Colon was weighted and examined morphologically and histopathologically. Centella asiatica methanolic extract at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg showed significant (P<0.05) improvement in histopathological scoring.