Ulcerative colitis, often known as UC, is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the lining of the colon and rectum and can lead to irritation, inflammation, and ulceration in these areas. Curcumin forms complexes with metal ions. Previous research has shown that combining a metal with curcumin improves its pharmacological effect. In the current study, a metal curcumin complex (MCC) was synthesized using sodium. Its efficacy in treating an ulcerative colitis model caused by acetic acid in Sprague Dawley rats was assessed.Sprague Dawley rats were given an intracolonic injection of 4% v/v acetic acid to induce colitis. Following induction, the rats were given either saline (0.9% v/v), MCC (30, 50, and 100 mg/kg), or curcumin (100 mg/kg) once a day for six days. Weight, stool consistency, and rectal bleeding were observed throughout the six days. On the seventh day, using cervical dislocation and diethyl ether, animals were sacrificed.Each animal's blood was collected, and the serum was separated for biochemical assessment. The colon of each animal was excised, and observed was macroscopical damage. The serum that was isolated following blood collection was tested for cytokine levels. The colon tissue homogenate was used for the biochemical study of oxidative stress parameters. Treatment with MCC demonstrates considerable protection against UC, proven by a significant decrease in the DAI and colonic damage compared to acetic acid-induced colitis rats. In the MCC and curcumin-treated groups, the depleted levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were significantly restored. At the same time, the enhanced lipid peroxidation (LPO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were significantly decreased. MCC dramatically reduced the activation of the TNF-alpha pathway in colon tissues, as seen by lower TNF-α levels in MCC-treated rats.
