Intestinal Anti-inflammatory Effects of Linum usitatissimum Alkaloid on Experimental Ulcerative Colitis in BALB/c Mice

Abstract

Introduction: There is growing interest in alternative therapies for managing inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) that offer efficacy and a suitable safety profile. The present study aimed to evaluate the intestinal anti-inflammatory effect of the alkaloid extract of Linum usitatissimum (ALU) on the acetic acid (AA) experimental model of colitis. Methods: For in vivo experiments, an 8-day 5% acetic acid administration protocol was used in BALB/c mice to induce colitis. The intestinal anti-inflammatory effect of oral ALU (12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg) was evaluated after 8 days. Colon damage was evaluated macroscopically (colon weight/ colon length), and the histological alterations were also assessed. Results: ALU treatment significantly reduced signs of intestinal inflammation compared to the Acetic acid control mice, confirmed by histological examination. Conclusion: These results suggest that the total alkaloid extract from Linum usitatissimum seeds has potent intestinal anti-inflammatory properties and may be a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis.