Aloysia triphylla infusion protects rats against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colonic damage.

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases consist of uncontrolled intestinal inflammation leading to mucosal disruption. Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may play an interesting role in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit.) Britton, Verbenaceae) infusion is a popular herbal drink rich in polyphenols. This study evaluated the protective effects of lemon verbena infusion consumption on the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. The infusion was given to rats as a drink providing 82 µmol polyphenols day(-1) for 21 days. Colitis was induced with 40 g l(-1) DSS in the drink for the last 7 days.

RESULTS

Lemon verbena infusion treatment restored body weight gain and prevented colonic shortening. Despite no protective effect on myeloperoxidase activity, A. triphylla infusion limited histological colonic alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that lemon verbena infusion partially protects rats against DSS-induced inflammation.