3,5-Dicaffeoyl-4-malonylquinic acid reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in a experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of 3,5-dicaffeoyl-4-malonylquinic acid (CA1), extract from Centella Asiatica, in rats subjected to experimental colitis. Results: Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of dinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (DNBS). CA1 was administered daily orally (0.2 or 2 mg/kg). Four days after DNBS administration, treatment with CA1 significantly reduced the appearance of diarrhoea and the loss of body weight. This was associated with a significant reduction in colonic MPO activity. CA1 also reduced NF-kappa B activation, the pro-inflammatory cytokines release, the appearance of I-NOS, nitrotyrosine, PARI? and proMMP-9 and -2 activity in the colon and reduced the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and the expression of P-Selectin. Conclusions: The results of this study suggested that administration of CA1 may be beneficial for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.