Cymbopogon citratus extracts inhibit inflammation and oxidative damage in mice colon by downregulating IL-6, HSP 70 and upregulating APC protein

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of solvent fractions of Cymbopogon citratus antioxidant status and anti-inflammatory activity in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon toxicity in male Swiss mice. The level of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined following intraperitoneal administration of DMH for twelve weeks and its co-administration with crude ethanol extract of C. citratus (CRD) and its fractions - chloroform (CHLF), ethyl acetate (ETLF) and ethanol (ETHF) fractions. Histology of mice colons and immunohistochemistry of inflammatory markers- Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP 70) were determined. HS-SPME-GCMS was used to assess the potent compounds present in the most effective fraction. Extracts of C. citratus particularly the CHLF containing d-limonene, geraniol and geranic acid increased the antioxidant status of the colon of DMH administered mice, restored colonic histoarchitecture, and modulated the expression of inflammatory markers (APC, IL-6 and HSP 70).