Hylocerus polyrhizus ameliorates acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis associated with modulation of TNF-α and oxidative stress markers

Introduction

The chronic inflammatory bowel condition ulcerative colitis (UC) features ongoing irritation of the mucosa, oxidative damage, and an abnormal immune response. Although many treatments exist, managing UC over a long period is difficult. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses medicines derived from natural sources that have several targets to help bring balance to the intestine e.g. Qing-dai or Plantain extract. The fruit “Huo long guo”, botanical name Hylocereus polyrhizus, has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional systems as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This experiment examined whether Hylocereus polyrhizus protects against experimental UC.