LAUSR

Abstract We aimed in the present research to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Salvia officinalis leaves decoction extract (SOLDE) against ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by acetic acid intoxication in rat as well as the mechanisms implicated in such protection. The RP-HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of 8 phenolic compounds with rosmarinic acid being the main major component. Results of the in vivo assay showed that SOLDE pre-treatment significantly reduced acetic acid (AA)-induced colonic mucosa lesion sand attenuates histopathological alterations. SOLDE counteracted AA-induced lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities depletion. It also increased the plasma scavenging activity (PSA) and preserved the contents of non-enzymatic antioxidants. More importantly, acetic acid administration increased colonic hydrogen peroxide, free iron and calcium levels, while the SOLDE pre-treatment reversed all intracellular mediator perturbations. Also, SOLDE treatment significantly protected against inflammation. Our data suggest that the SOLDE exerted a potential protective effect against AA-induced colitis in rat.