Colitis is a growing gastrointestinal inflammation condition that affect individual all around the globe. No specific treatment for colitis condition is available at the moment and this disease can develop into colorectal cancer. Phytochemical in Apium graveolens (AG) are potential as anti-inflammation and antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate the potency of AG ethanolic-extract (EES) in improving acetic acid (AA) – induced colitis in rats.
Rats with colitis induced by acetic acid were treated with 5-ASA and several concentrations (100, 300, and 900 mg/kg) of EES. Colitis severity was determined by scoring of macroscopic condition including body weight, colon, and faeces condition. In addition, colon tissues conditions were observed with haematoxylin-eosin staining. Colon permeability is determined by measuring urine glucose level. The observation of the change in Enterobacteriaceae population is investigated using PCR.
Apium graveolens ethanolic-extract shows highest improvement of colitis condition at concentration of 900 mg/kg, based on macroscopic observation and disease severity index. At this dose, no blood existed on the faeces and the faeces consistency is solid. Group receiving lower dose of EES still shows blood existence and less solid faeces. The EES dose dependently return the population of Enterobacteriaceae which increase upon AA treatment. Apium graveolens is potential to be use as preventive or treatment for colitis
