Protective Effect of a Formulation Containing Pistacia atlantica Oleo-Gum-Resin and Honey on Experimental Model of Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats

Background and objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. In Iranian traditional medicine, the oleogumresin of the genus Pistacia is recommended for treatment of various diseases including gastrointestinal disorders. The present study investigated the therapeutic action of a combination of Pistacia atlantica subspecies kurdica oleogumresin and honey in acetic acidinduced colitis in rats. Methods:  Pistacia atlantica oleogumresin was mixed with honey. The mixture was suspended in distilled water. Following induction of colitis with 4% acetic acid in all animals, except in sham group,themixture was orally administered for two consecutive days at the concentrations of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg. Other groups included the control, sham and a standard group (dexamethasone). Microscopic and histopathologic examinations were conducted in inflamed colonic tissue. The inflammatory biomarkers of colitis including interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the gene expression level of toll like receptor4 (TLR4) were assessed. Results: Pistacia atlantica oleogumresin+ honey induced significant progress in macroscopic and microscopic scores. Colonic levels of MPO, IL6, and TNFα significantly declined in rats treated with the mixture; while significant decrease in mucosal gene expression of TLR4 and significant improvement of colitis were observed. Pistacia atlantica oleogumresin (400 mg/kg) + honey (400 mg/kg)reduced inflammation of the bowel and colonic ulcer severity shown by downregulation of inflammation cytokines, reduction of neutrophil infiltration, and suppression of TLR4 expression. Conclusion: The combination might be a promising supplement for treatment of inflammatory disorders.