The phytogenic feed additive Sangrovit modulates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats

The alkaloids of Macleaya cordata (Papaveracae) are active components of the phytogenic feed additive Sangrovit. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Sangrovit on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis using rats as an experimental model. Thirty-five male rats were randomly assigned to a control group (Group 1, n = 5), a Sangrovit group (Group 2, n = 20) and a DSS group (Group 3, n = 10). Group 1 received standard diet and tap water for 14 days. Group 2 received 500 ppm Sangrovit in their feed for 14 days and in the second week 5% DSS was added to the tap water. The animals in Group 3 were fed for seven days with standard diet and tap water and for the next seven days with standard diet and 5% DSS added to their tap water. The rats were sacrificed on day 14 and the following parameters were measured: disease activity (body and organ weight, colon length, presence of blood in stool), colon myeloperoxidase activity, expression of colon cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), hematological parameters, histological colitis score and selected parameters of oxidative stress. The animals treated with DSS for seven days (Groups 2 and 3) showed increases in liver and cecum weight, leukocyte count and colon shortening, decreases in hemoglobin and hematocrit associated with hematochezia. In comparison with Group 3 where DSS caused mucosal edema, cellular infiltration and epithelial disruption, the Sangrovit group showed less severe damage to the colon mucosa and decreased histological colitis scores. The Sangrovit group also showed diminished expression of DSS-induced COX-2, significantly mitigated myeloperoxidase activity in colon tissue and level of reduced glutathione in erythrocytes. In conclusion, some parameters of DSS-induced colitis were modulated by 500 ppm Sangrovit added to feed.