Possible Effects of Moringa oleifera versus Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) on Experimental Colitis in Mice

Aims: We evaluated effects of extracts of both Moringa oleifera (MOR) leaves and ginger (GIN) root on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced colitis mice.

Study Design: experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: Clinical Pharmacology dep., Mansoura Faculty of Medicine. To weeks study.

Methodology: Forty BALB/c mice were used throughout this study. Mice were divided into 5 groups (n=8). Group (1) received plain filtered water. Group (2) received DSS. Group (3) received DSS and MOR. Group (4) received DSS and GIN. Group (5) received DSS plus MOR & GIN. All mice were sacrificed after 14 days of colitis induction and colon was removed. Length of the colon was detected and examined microscopically and immunohistochemistery for detection of NFKβ. Biochemical assessment of TNFα was done in serum, while, MDA and GSH were done in colonic tissue homogenate.

Results: Both MOR and/ or GIN showed significant reduction in DAI, microscopic lesion score, NFKβ expression as well as significant improvement in TNFα, MDA, and GSH levels as compared to group (2).

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of leaves of MOR and/ or extract of GIN root showed significant improvement of experimentally induced colitis, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Combination therapy of GIN and MOR showed non additive benefit than GIN alone. These natural plants could be used as additive to drug therapy of IBD.