Effect of Tephrosia purpurea roots extracts on acetic acid induced colitis in mice

Tephrosia purpurea L. (Leguminosae), commonly known as Unhali in Marathi is a copiously branched perennial herb. Traditionally the roots of this plant are used in the treatment of ulcer and colic pain. So the present work was undertaken to validate its use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis by using suitable scientific methods. Shade dried and coarsely powdered roots were subjected to successive extraction with ethanol and water. The dried extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) were screened for ulcerative colitis using the method acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in mice. Macroscopical study of the colon, level of myeloperoxidase in colon and histopathology of the colon tissue were studied for the assessment of the activity. Results showed that aqueous extract was significantly effective in the treatment of ulcerative colitis at dose of 200 mg/kg. It can be concluded that the polar constituents of T. purpurea L. may be useful in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires