Zhumeria majdae essential oil attenuates TNBS-induced colitis in rats by regulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways

Zhumeria majdae, a unique native plant of southern Iran, has been traditionally used to treat various health issues. Preclinical studies suggest its therapeutic potential for immunological and inflammatory disorders. This study investigates the effect of Z. majdae essential oil (ZMEO) on TNBS-induced colitis in rats, focusing on the NF-κB/p38 MAPK/Nrf-2 pathway.

Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used, with all groups except the sham group receiving a single intra-rectal dose of TNBS. Three different doses of ZMEO and also 1 mg/kg dexamethasone were administered orally for 2 weeks. Colon tissue was analyzed for ulcer index, histological changes, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic factors, and levels of NF-κB, p38 MAPK, and Nrf-2.

GC-mass analysis identified 25 compounds with linalool (52.01%) and camphor (31.01%) as the major compounds in ZMEO. ZMEO ameliorated colon injuries, reduced ulcer index, and prevented the elevation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic proteins. It also increased the levels of IL-10 and Bcl-2 proteins. Furthermore, ZMEO decreased the expression of p-NF-κB and p38 MAPK while increasing the expression of pNrf-2.

ZMEO mitigates colon damage associated with IBD by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic proteins possibly through modulating the NF-κB/p38 MAPK/Nrf-2 signaling pathway.