β-Carotene and Cinnamon Oil with Sulfasalazine in Experimental Ulcerative Colitis: Histological and Immunological Study

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease worldwide. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of cinnamon oil and β-carotene on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in rats.Methods: Fifty adult albino rats were divided into five groups: group I (control), group II (UC induced by 4% AA), group III (UC treated with sulfasalazine 100 mg/kg BW/day), group IV (sulfasalazine + cinnamon oil 2.5 ml/kg BW/day), and group V (sulfasalazine + cinnamon oil + β-carotene 50 mg/kg BW/day). Treatments were given orally for seven days. Colonic tissues were evaluated by biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods.Results: Sulfasalazine alone (group III) or with cinnamon oil (group IV) significantly reduced macroscopic damage, ulcer index, and disease activity index compared with UC group. Both groups showed restored antioxidant markers (MDA, CAT, SOD) and improved mucosal regeneration with decreased MPO and caspase-3 expression. Notably, group V, receiving sulfasalazine with cinnamon oil and β-carotene, demonstrated the most pronounced improvement in all parameters, with nearly normal mucosal architecture.Conclusion: Combined therapy of sulfasalazine, cinnamon oil, and β-carotene exerted synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, providing greater protection against AA-induced UC than monotherapy or dual therapy.ss