Formulation, Standardization, and Evaluation of the Anti-Colitis Activity of Qurs-e Gol, a Persian Polyherbal Formulation in Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-life disease with increasing global incidence, especially in children. In addition to the economic and social costs imposed by this disease, the progression of the disease over time can also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. Recent studies have shown the positive effects of natural products, especially herbal medicines, in controlling the signs and symptoms of IBD. This study explored the anticolitic effects of Qurs-e Gol, a traditional polyherbal formulation in Persian Medicine, in male Wistar rats suffering from colitis induced by acetic acid. Rosa damascena Mill. (Damask rose), Rumex conglomeratus Murray (clustered dock), starch, Senegalia senegal L., Britton gum (gum Arabic), and Astragalus L. subgenus. Tragacanth gum (gum Tragacanth) was separately ground, sifted, and then mixed with suitable excipients to formulate Qurs-e Gol tablets. To induce colitis, animals were administered 4% acetic acid intrarectally. The 14-day experiment involved six groups of rats, including a sham group that received normal saline; a second group that received normal saline postinduction; a third group that received dexamethasone postinduction; and three treatment groups that received Qurs-e Gol at doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg for 14 days. Macroscopic evaluation revealed that, compared with the control, Qurs-e Gol at doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg significantly reduced inflammation and ulcers (p<0.001), with effects similar to those of dexamethasone. Microscopic examination of colon tissue confirmed these results, revealing a decrease in lesion depth with the 400 and 800 mg/kg doses (p<0.001). The most significant reduction in serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels was noted at 800 mg/kg (p< 0.001), although the 200 and 400 mg/kg doses were also effective (p<0.01). This study highlights the effectiveness of Qurs-e Gol, a traditional Persian polyherbal remedy, in easing colitis symptoms in rats, resulting in impressive anti-inflammatory effects. When administered at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg, there was a notable decrease in inflammation, ulcers, and lesion depth, with results that rival those of dexamethasone. Moreover, the most significant decrease in the serum TNF-α concentration occurred at the highest dosage. These results indicate that Qurs-e Gol might be a promising natural option for treating ulcerative colitis, and further research in both animal and human trials is needed to fully explore its therapeutic potential.