Therapeutic Effects of Baneh Gum (Pistacia atlantica Desf.) Extract on Immunological and Histopathological Alterations in an Experimental Model of Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease that presents significant therapeutic challenges, including adverse drug effects and high treatment costs. Natural-derived agents, such as herbal products, may provide new treatment avenues. This study evaluated the effects of Baneh gum extract (BGE) on immunologic and histopathologic changes in an experimental UC model.Method: UC was induced using acetic acid in BALB/c mice. Forty mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = ۱۰): the first group served as a control (no treatment); the second and third groups received BGE before (pre-BGE) and after (post-BGE) disease induction, respectively; and the fourth group received mesalazine. After ۱۰ days, the mice were euthanized, and the levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide, interleukin-۱β (IL-۱β), interleukin-۶ (IL-۶), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were measured. In addition, histopathologic examinations were performed according to standard protocols.Result: Our results showed that BGE significantly reduced the production of mediators and inflammatory cytokines, including myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, IL-۱, IL-۶, and TNF-α, in an experimental mouse model of acetic acid-induced UC. Histopathological changes were also significantly alleviated by BGE in this model.Conclusion: Our findings support the beneficial use of BGE by attenuating the histopathological and immunological perturbations induced by this experimental animal model of UC. The study highlights the therapeutic promise of BGE, a natural product, in reducing inflammation and tissue damage associated with UC. Further research is needed to establish its clinical efficacy and safety in human patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Baneh gum extract ، Ulcerative colitis ، Inflammation ، Natural antioxidants ، Phyto therapy