Pharmacological Assessment of Glycyrrhiza glabra Roots using Indomethacin-induced Enteropathy Rat Model: A Comparative Analysis of Petroleum Ether and Alcoholic Extracts

Abstract

Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn, (G. glabra) commonly known as "Mulethi" in North India, has been investigated for its protective effects against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in a rat model. The study also included toxicological profiling using the Up-and-Down Procedure (Test No. 425: Acute Oral Toxicity). Findings revealed the safety of GGPE and GGEE at 2000 mg/kg, with normal observations in behavioral, body weight, organ weight, biochemical, and hematological parameters, except for slight alterations in respiration and salivation with both plant extracts. In the disease model, GGPE at 400 mg/kg and GGEE at 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited significant protective effects against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis. This was evident through improvements in macroscopic, biochemical, hematological, and histological data. Indomethacin administration (7.5 mg/kg, s.c. for two doses) induced alterations in various parameters, which were effectively mitigated by GGPE and GGEE. Specifically, these treatments significantly (p<0.05) reduced macroscopic lesion scores, enhanced antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH), liver function enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP), and decreased bilirubin and LPO levels. Furthermore, GGPE and GGEE treatment considerably (p<0.05) elevated blood parameters (Hb, RBCs, WBCs, PLTs) and recovered body weight loss. GGEE at 400 mg/kg demonstrated effectiveness in restoring elevated levels of MPO and colon weight. Histopathological analysis indicated the amelioration of intestinal tissue, reducing the intensity of lesions. In conclusion, the study highlights that GGEE exhibits more pronounced protective effects against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis compared to GGPE, possibly due to the presence of polyphenolic phytoconstituents in GGEE.