Triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation improves the antioxidant status on TNBS induced IBD in rats

• Published in: European journal of integrative medicine 2014-12, Vol.6 (6), p.646-656
• Main Authors: Koppikar, Soumya J., Jagtap, Suresh D., Devarshi, Prasad P., Jangle, Nivedita M., Awad, Vitthal B., Wele, Asmita A., Harsulkar, Abhay M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antioxidant activity; Inflammatory bowel disease; ROS; TNBS; Triphala
• ISSN: 1876-3820; 1876-3839
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2014.08.005

Triphala is a well-known Ayurvedic treatment for bowel problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Triphala(an Ayurvedic formulation) can ameliorate excessive oxidative stress and inflammation of intestinal tract in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)in rats. Aqueous Triphala extract was assessed for Nitric oxide (NO) scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. Triphala was orally administered in three doses (330, 500 and 1000mg/kg/bwt), where mesalamine remained as control. Activity of MDA, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrate–nitrite in colon tissues were estimated using plate-based assays. Gene-expression of CAT, SOD, glutathione peroxidise (GPx) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were estimated using Real-Time PCR. Lastly, HE staining was used for histopathological observations. NO scavenging revealed 80.00% inhibition at 500 and 1000μg/ml, whereas complete inhibition of lipid peroxidation obtained at 500 and 1000μg/ml concentrations. These activities correlated well with reduced oxidative damage (MDA 3.72μM/g of tissue) after Triphala treatment with significant increase in CAT, SOD and nitrate–nitrite activity in colon. Gene-expression of CAT, SOD and GPx increased in dose-dependent manner, while eNOS expression increased at Triphala 500mg/kg/bwt, demonstrating strengthening effect on innate antioxidant defence. Histopathology of colon revealed muco-protection and restoration of normal tissue architecture. Administration of Triphala at 1000mg/kg/bwt significantly reduced colonic inflammation measured as reduced colon weight and crypt loss, reduction in infiltration by pro-inflammatory cells and focal necrotic areas in mucosa. Triphala has promising potential for the treatment of IBD given its strong antioxidant effects in reducing inflammation.