Evaluation of protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract obtained from Cucurbita moschata skin in animal model of ulcerative colitis

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine that cannot be treated, but its symptoms can be controlled. Cucurbita pepo from the Cucurbitaceae family, has wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties. In this regard, the aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract prepared from the skin of the squash plant in the animal model of ulcerative colitis. Material and methods: To extract the Cucurbita moschata skin, 150 g of the dried and crushed skin of the fruit was transferred to a glass percolator and extracted using a solvent of water and ethanol in a ratio of 70:30 in three steps. A total of 36 field rats were prepared and randomly divided into 6 groups (6 rat in each group). In order to induce colitis, 4% acetic acid was used to evaluate the effects of the extract obtained from pumpkin skin, this extract was administered by gavage in 3 doses for 6 days to rat. Finally, the rats were examined for macroscopic changes and histological studies. Results: In macroscopic examinations of the colon between different groups, in the healthy group the colon mucosa was completely normal. In the negative control group, complications such as ulceration, adhesions, thickening of the intestinal wall and severe inflammation were observed. In the groups receiving the extract in 3 doses, decreased Inflammation and wound healing were observed in rat with colitis, with the best results at 200 mg / kg. Conclusion: Since the complications of colitis in the groups receiving Cucurbita moschata skin extract were significantly reduced compared to the control group, especially at a dose of 200 mg / kg, the results of this study could planning the way for clinical trial studies on ulcerative colitis and Use as a complementary medicine along with other treatments.