Gratophyllum pictum (L.) Griff Extract as Anti-Inflammatory on Wistar Rats With Experimental Hemorrhoids

Abstract

Background The ethanol Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff extract (EGPE) exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on inflammatory-induced rat feet and has been used as a traditional medicine in Indonesia for treating hemorrhoids. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of EGPE as an anti-inflammatory on Wistar rats with experimentally induced hemorrhoids. Methods Twenty-eight Wistars were allocated into 4 groups. Groups 2, 3, and 4 hemorrhoids were induced with 6% croton oil into the anus, whereas group 1 was not induced. Groups 1 and 2 were given physiologic saline, and groups 3 and 4 were given EGPE 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight (BW), respectively. On day 9, blood was aspirated from the retro-ocular region for the examination of serum interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a (ELISA method) and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), urea, and creatinine levels. The anus was prepared for microscopic examination to count leucocytes. Results The induction of 6% croton oil significantly increased TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and leucocyte count. An EGPE dose of 100 mg/kg BW significantly decreases TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and leucocyte counts, whereas a dose of 300 mg/kg BW significantly decreased TNF-α and leucocyte count. SGOT, SGPT, blood urea, and creatinine levels were not significantly different among groups. Conclusion The EGPE dose of 100 mg/kg BW has anti-inflammatory effects on hemorrhoids by suppressing IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and total leucocytes, whereas the inflammatory effects of 300 mg/kg BW reduced TNF-α and total leucocytes. EGPE is safe for the kidneys and liver.