Thymoquinone Prevents and Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Background Thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient of the seed oil extract of Nigella sativa Linn, has previously been shown to possess antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactivity. Whether TQ has any effect on colitis remains controversial. Aim The aim of this study was to determine whether treatment with TQ prevents and ameliorates colonic inflammation in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease. Methods C57BL/6 murine colitis was induced by the administration of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) (3 % W/V) in the drinking water supplied to the mice for 7 consecutive days. The mice with colitis were treated with 5, 10, or 25 mg/kg TQ orally, and changes in body weight and macroscopic and microscopic colitis scores were examined. In addition, biochemical analyses were conducted. Results The treatment of mice with TQ prevented and significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhea and body weight loss. These results were associated with amelioration of colitis-related damage, as measured by macroscopic and microscopic colitis scores. In addition, there was a significant reduction in colonic myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde levels and an increase in glutathione levels. Conclusions These results indicate that TQ administration can prevent and improve murine DSS-induced colitis. These findings suggest that TQ could serve as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.