Protective Effect of Wheatgrass in Acetic Acid Induced - Colitis on Albino Wistar Rats

The aim of present investiagation was to study the Ulcerative colitis effect of ethanolic extract of wheatgrass in acetic acid induced experimental colitis in Albino wistar rats.The rats were divided into groups (n=6).The rats received 7 days pretreatment with ethanolic extract of wheatgrass (EWG) 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg. Ulcerative colitis was induced by intrareactal administration of 1ml of 4 % acetic acid solution on 8th day. Sulphasalazine (500mg/kg) was used as standard drug administered orally for 3 days. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, vit.c, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids and resins. The results show that the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the ulcer index from 2.51±0.26 to15.78±1.58 in acetic acid –induced colitis. The extract also significantly (p < 0.05) increased the colonic mucous secretion in a dose -dependent manner. The results of the study indicate that EWG has anti-colitis effect pharmacological activity due to secretory metabolites present in it and has better potential which supports the traditional claims in folklore medicine.