Anti-IBD activity of Eleusine indica through inhibition of TNF-alpha and p38 MAPK expression

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a relapsing-remitting gastrointestinal disorder characterized by chronic mucosal inflammation and dysregulated immune responses to gut microorganisms. Despite the many advancements in its management, current treatments are often limited by their adverse effects, high cost, and incomplete remission. Eleusine indica, a medicinal plant used in folkloric medicine, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its efficacy in IBD remains not known. This study evaluated the potential effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Eleusine indica (EI) in a rat model of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. Colitis was induced in Sprague Dawley rats via rectal administration of TNBS. Rats were subsequently treated orally with EI (200, 400, or 600 mg/kg) or sulfasalazine (500 mg/kg) for 7 days. Disease activity index (DAI), colon weight-to-length ratio, macroscopic and histopathological changes, haematological parameters, and serum levels of markers of inflammation: TNF-α, p38 MAPK, and of oxidative stress: glutathione (GSH) were assessed. EI significantly improved the DAI (p < 0.05) and reduced colon weight-to-length ratio (p < 0.05) and macroscopic colonic damage in TNBS-induced rats. Histopathological analysis revealed preserved mucosal architecture and reduced inflammatory infiltration in EI-treated groups. EI also significantly downregulated TNF-α (p < 0.0001) and p38 MAPK (p < 0.0001) while preserving GSH levels (p < 0.05), indicating suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. Haematological parameters showed reversal of TNBS-induced leucocytosis (p < 0.05). EI demonstrated potent anti-colitic activity comparable to sulfasalazine. The findings from this study support its potential as a herbal therapeutic option for IBD.