The effects of TPGS-modified liposomal ginger extract in the treatment of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats.

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease that causes damage to the mucosa and oxidative stress. Natural substances, such as ginger extract, are known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the clinical effectiveness of active ingredients like ginger extract is limited by their low bioavailability. Liposomal drug delivery systems, especially those modified with D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), may enhance the stability and absorption of ginger, making it more effective as a medicinal agent. Since regular ginger extract doesn't work very well as a treatment, it's essential to develop and test new drug delivery systems, such as TPGS-modified liposomes, to enhance the outcomes of UC treatment.

METHODS

A total of 54 male rats were utilized, randomly allocated into nine groups (number in each group = 6). Colitis was induced in rats through enemas containing a 4% solution of acetic acid. Four days post-induction of colitis, rats were administered simple, liposomal, and TPGS-modified liposomal forms of 100 and 300 mg/kg of alcoholic ginger extract intraperitoneally for five days.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that administration of liposomal forms of ginger extract reduced TNFα (P < 0.001) and IL6 (P < 0.001) levels in the colon tissue of rats. These compounds also increased SOD and catalase activity in the colon tissue and reduced NO levels. At the histological level, liposomal forms of ginger were also able to reduce tissue inflammation. Also, our results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of ginger extract was 73 ± 0.38%.

CONCLUSION

Overall, this research showed that following UC, the colon inflammation and oxidative stress were higher than the healthy animals. Also, the results of this study showed that administration of the liposomal and TPGS-modified liposome was able to exert strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared to simple forms.