OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the protective effect of purslane on the acute injury caused by intra-colonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats.

METHODS

Seventy-two male SD rats were separated into 6 groups randomly. Rat model of ulcerative colitis was established by intra-colonic administration of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). Purslane (2.5, 5, 10 g x kg(-1)) and sulfasalazine(0.5 g x kg(-1)) was administered by enemata, 3 days after TNBS instillation and daily during 10 days before killing the rats. Colons were removed for histological analysis and measurement of myeloperoxidase (MPO).

RESULTS

Rats treated with purslane (5 and 10 g x kg(-1)) were significantly healthier than TNBS-alone rats, as shown by improved food intake and reduced diarrhea, corrected the disorders in morphology associated to lesions, significantly reduced myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels.

CONCLUSIONS

purslane exerts protective effect in experimental colitis, the effect seems to be related to relieving inflammatory reaction and repairing lesions.