Role of Alginate and Venocin in Experimental Colitis

Colonic injury of all forms may elicit a chronic immune response resulting in cellular proliferation. Dysfunction of immunologic tolerance is assumed to be a cause of ulcerative colitis. Thus, an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms of the colon may be involved in the initiation or aggravation of the inflammatory process. Several drugs such as sulfasalazine, corticosteroids etc are currently used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis but they possess several adverse effects. Hence herbal remedies came into existence as an alternative therapy to overcome the disadvantages of such drugs. Aesculus hippocastanum and sodium alginate both are obtained from natural resources hence devoid of any side effect. This book will provide the therapeutic effectiveness of Aesculus hippocastanum and sodium alginate synergistically in experimental colitis model.