The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of Bacopa monnieri in acetic-acid-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Acetic acid (3%v/v, in 0.9% saline) was infused intrarectally to induce ulceration in mice. Administration of acetic acid resulted in severe inflammation of the colon along with an increase in the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity assessed on 7th day. Treatment with Bacopa monnieri extract (20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, p.o) and saponin-rich fraction (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg; p.o) for 7 days i.e. 2 days before and 5 days after acetic acid infusion, significantly attenuated the colonic inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, it also reduced the MPO levels and the disease activity score as compared to the control group. It may be concluded that Bacopa monnieri has the potential for ameliorating acetic-acid-induced colitis and its saponin-rich fraction may be responsible for this effect.
Keywords: Bacopa monnieri; acetic acid; myeloperoxidase; ulcerative colitis.