DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i03.028

Pages: 762-770

The main objective is to evaluate the healing effects of 50% ethanolic extract of dried seeds of Pongamia pinnata on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. The method is Pongamia pinnata seed extract was administered orally, once daily for 14 days in rats after the induction of colitis with acetic acid and 50 mg/kg dose of extract was found to have an optimal effect against acetic acid-induced colonic damage score, weight and adhesions. Effect of above dose of the extract was then further studied for its effects on faecal output, food and water intake and body weight changes during 14 days of study. Colonic mucosal damage and inflammation and status of colonic mucosal antioxidants, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione; free radicals, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation were studied on 15th day of acetic acid-induced colitis. Antibacterial activity of the extract was also studied using in vitro procedures. In results the Pongamia pinnata seed extract decreased colonic mucosal damage and inflammation, faecal output and increased body weight. Pongamia pinnata seed extract showed intestinal antibacterial activity and enhanced the antioxidants but decreased free radicals activities. Acute toxicity study indicated no mortality or other ANS or CNS related adverse effects even with 500 mg/kg dose (10 times of effective dose) indicating its safety. The conclusion in this study is Pongamia pinnata seed extract seemed to be safe and effective in colitis by its predominant effect on promoting antioxidant status and decreasing intestinal bacterial load, free radicals responsible for tissue damage and delayed healing.