Comparing the Effects of Sulfasalazine and Shilajit on Liver Damage Caused by Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Male Rats

Abstract

Background and Objective: Liver damage is one of the common complications after ulcerative colitis. The aim of this study is to compare liver protective effects of sulfasalazine and shilajit after ulcerative colitis. Methods: In this experimental intervention study, 49 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 grams were used in seven groups of 7: sham, ulcerative colitis, oral solution, oral Shilajit, sulfasalazine, rectal solution, and rectal Shilajit. To induce ulcerative colitis, after anesthetizing the animal, 2 cc of acetic acid (4%) was used by rectal administration. Four days after the development of colitis, Shilajit was administered for four days at a dose of 250 mg/kg by gavage and rectal methods. In each group, the levels of liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, ALP), direct bilirubin, total, and serum albumin were evaluated eight days after the induction of ulcerative colitis. Findings: Sulfasalazine decreased total bilirubin (0.5967±0.04) and SGOT (113.3±12.7). Administering Shilajit rectally reduced direct bilirubin (0.10±0.02), albumin (3.17±0.2), SGOT (156.2±12.7) and administering Shilajit by gavage reduced SGOT (125.0±12.7), direct bilirubin (0.094±0.02), SGOT (125.0±12.7) and SGPT (93.8±7.5). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that oral administration of Shilajit has more protective effects on liver damage caused by ulcerative colitis than rectal Shilajit, and this result is comparable to sulfasalazine.

Keywords

• ulcerative colitis
• liver
• shilajit
• sulfasalazine.