Embelin ameliorates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice

Embelin has been used to treat fever, inflammatory diseases, and a variety of gastrointestinal ailments for thousands of years. Although reports indicate that embelin has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects, its effects on ulcerative colitis have not been previously explored. The purpose of the present work was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of embelin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/c mice by dissolving 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days. Embelin (10, 30 or 50 mg/kg body weight) was administrated daily per oral route for 7 days. Embelin significantly attenuated DSS-induced DAI scores and tissue MPO accumulation, which implied that it suppressed weight loss, diarrhea, gross bleeding, and the infiltrations of immune cells. Embelin administration also effectively and dose-dependently prevented shortening of colon length and enlargement of spleen size. Histological examinations indicated that embelin suppressed edema, mucosal damage, and the loss of crypts induced by DSS. Furthermore, embelin inhibited the abnormal secretions and mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These results suggest that embelin has an anti-inflammatory effect at colorectal sites that is due to the down-regulations of the productions and expressions of inflammatory mediators, and that it may have therapeutic value in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).