EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF Vitex negundo L. ON ACETIC ACID INDUCED COLITIS IN ALBINO RATS.
Objective - As the leaves of Vitex negundo L. possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this study has been undertaken to evaluate the effect of Vitex negundo L. in experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and to find its probable mechanism of action including its antioxidant potential. Methods -The extract of Vitex negundo L. was prepared by percolation method. Acute toxicity test was done by using OECD guidelines. Albino rats were divided into four groups (n=5). Group A and B received 3% gum acacia. Group C and D received ethanolic extract of Vitex negundo L. (EEVN) 500 mg/kg BW and 5-aminosalisylic acid (5-ASA) 100 mg /kg BW respectively.  Colitis was induced by transrectal administration of 4% acetic acid on 5 th day. All animals were sacrificed after 48 hour of colitis induction and distal 10 cm of the colon was dissected. Colon was weighed for disease activity index (DAI) and scored macroscopically and microscopically. Biochemical assessment of tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) was done in colonic tissue homogenate and malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated in serum. Results - Vitex negundo L. showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in DAI, macroscopic and microscopic lesion score as well as significant (p<0.05) improvement in MPO, MDA, CAT, and SOD level as compared to Group B. Conclusion- The ethanolic extract of leaves of Vitex negundo L. showed significant amelioration of experimentally induced colitis, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant property. Key words : Colitis, Vitex negundo L. , antioxidant.