ameliorative effects of aqueous cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats

Introduction: this study was designed to evaluate the effects of cinnamon extract on ulcerative colitis in rats. methods: thirty-two male wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control, positive control group (acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis), cinnamon extract treated group (150mg/kg/day) and treated group with prednisolone (4mg/kg/day). after 10 consecutive days, the rats were euthanized and examined for the production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress indices in the intestinal tissue. results: data showed that both therapies could reduce the cumulative disease score. the results also indicated that treatment with cinnamon caused a more benefit in restoring the total antioxidant capacity of the colonic specimens of the colitis-induced rats compared to treatment with prednisolone. the levels of myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide were down-regulated in the colons of cinnamon treated rats more than prednisolone groups. prednisolone significantly decreased the levels of tnf-α and il-6 cytokines more than colitis rats treated with cinnamon extract. the levels of cox-2 were decreased and conversely, the total protein content of colonic homogenates was increased in the colons of both treatment groups in a non-significant manner, compared to untreated colitis rats. conclusion: these results demonstrated cinnamon as herbal medicine is a promising strategy to improve the inflammation in a rat model of ulcerative colitis. it is logical to consider some of the beneficial effects of cinnamon extract associated with its direct antioxidant benefits, along with its direct anti-inflammatory benefits.