Aloysia triphylla infusion protects rats against dextran sulfate sodium-induced colonic damage.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases consist of uncontrolled intestinal inflammation leading to mucosal disruption. Polyphenols are micronutrients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may play an interesting role in the prevention of intestinal inflammation. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla (L'Herit.) Britton, Verbenaceae) infusion is a popular herbal drink rich in polyphenols. This study evaluated the protective effects of lemon verbena infusion consumption on the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats. The infusion was given to rats as a drink providing 82 µmol polyphenols day(-1) for 21 days. Colitis was induced with 40 g l(-1) DSS in the drink for the last 7 days. RESULTS: Lemon verbena infusion treatment restored body weight gain and prevented colonic shortening. Despite no protective effect on myeloperoxidase activity, A. triphylla infusion limited histological colonic alterations. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that lemon verbena infusion partially protects rats against DSS-induced inflammation.