The protective effect of Echinacea spp. (Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea) in a rat colitis model induced by acetic acid.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that causes an inflammatory condition in the colon. Several cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) are crucial components of these inflammatory pathways. New therapeutic strategies are needed for improved clinical outcomes in UC and with less adverse effects. That is why alternative therapies such as herbal remedies are increasingly being used with favorable effects in the treatment of UC. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Echinacea spp in an experimental rat colitis model induced by acetic acid (AA). Acetic acid was given via a rectal route to induce acute colitis in rats. Rats were placed in four groups: control, Echinacea, Echinacea-colitis and colitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1β and TGF-β levels were measured. Histopathological comparison of the groups was also performed. The disease activity index (DAI) was significantly higher in the colitis group compared to the control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the DAI of control, Echinacea and Echinacea-colitis groups (p>0.07). The inflammatory mediators IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly elevated in the colitis group compared to the other groups (p<0.007, <0.001 respectively). Therefore, Echinacea spp. may likely have some therapeutic favorable effects in the management of UC.