The protective and healing effects of a natural antioxidant formulation based on ubiquinol and Aloe vera against dextran sulfate‐induced ulcerative colitis in rats

Abstract

Oxygen/nitrogen reactive species (ROS/RNS) are currently implicated in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, drawing attention on the potential prophylactic and healing properties of antioxidants, scavengers, chelators. We evaluated the possible protective/curative effects of a natural antioxidant preparation based on Aloe vera and ubiquinol, against intestinal inflammation, lesions, and pathological alterations of the intestinal electrophysiological activity and motility, in a rat model of DSS-induced colitis. 5% dextrane sulfate (DDS) (3 days), followed by 1% DSS (4 days) was administered in drinking water. The antioxidant formulation (25 mg/kg) was delivered with a pre-treatment protocol, or simultaneously or post-colitis induction. Spontaneous and acetylcholine-stimulated electrical activity were impaired in the small intestine and in distal colon, upon exposure to DSS only. Severe inflammation occurred, with increased myeloperoxidase activity, and significant alterations of the oxidant/antioxidant status in colonic tissue and peritoneal cells. Lipoperoxidation, superoxide production, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, and reduced glutathione content increased, whilst superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were sharply suppressed in colon tissue. ROS/RNS formation in peritoneal cells was strongly inhibited. Inflammation, electrical/mechanical impairment in the gut, and a great majority of oxidative stress parameters were improved substantially by pre-treatment with the antioxidant preparation, but not by simultaneous administration or post-treatment.

Dextran sulfate sodium enhances interleukin-1β release via activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways in murine peritoneal macrophages

“…Nevertheless, the central roles of ROS in the development of IBD are evident. For example, the involvement of ROS in the pathogenesis of DSS-induced colitis has been reported (Korkina et al, 2003) and DSS increased the level of an oxidative DNA damage biomarker, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine, in rat colonic mucosa (Tardieu et al, 1998). Sustained production of ROS during colonic inflammation may overwhelm the endogenous antioxidant defense system and, in accordance with that notion, there are several independent reports of decreased antioxidant levels in patients with IBD (Buffinton and Doe, 1995; Koutroubakis et al, 2004).…”

Inhibitory activity of Aloe vera gel on some clinically isolated cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria

“…Aloin and aloe-emodin have polyphenolic structures, which can inhibit protein synthesis by bacterial cells, thus explaining their antimicrobial activity. This characteristic may also explain the anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe vera gel (35,36). Saponins, which contain glycoside, are soapy substances that have both cleansing and antiseptic properties (30).…”

Intestinal absorption of aloin, aloe-emodin, and aloesin; A comparative study using two in vitro absorption models

“…Aloe is widely used in food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to its aromatic and therapeutic properties (Davis et al, 1994; Korkina et al, 2003). The aloe product ranked first in health food sales of 2005 in Korea (Park et al, 2005).…”