Abstract

S. D. Abubakar* and S. M. Sahabi

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) which are defined as chronic and relapsing inflammations of the gastrointestinal tract caused by variable pathophysiological mechanisms. Synthetic chemical moieties with antioxidant potential are the present treatment regimens, but their high relapse rate and toxicities limits their utility in treatment. Aims: The aim of this work is to investigate the possible toxic effects that the aqueous extract of the plant will elicit on the spleen of experimental animals. A control, colitis control and a treatment control will serve as a guide in the assessment of the findings in this study. Methods: Experimental colitis was induced in animals using acetic acid to mimic human IBD the effects of oral administration of the extract on the spleen was compared using a control, colitis control and treatment control (Prednisolone). Results: Colitis animals showed numerous germinal centres in the white pulp with some congestion of blood vessels and necrosis in the red pulp. Treated animals showed comparatively normal white and red pulp with a discernible increase in marginal zones. Treatment control animals showed an expansive white pulp with few germinal centres of low cellularity Conclusion: The extract showed no toxicity to the spleen unlike prednisolone. The histological findings reveal immunomodulatory functions.