Protective Effect of Nanoparticles of Oleoresin of Pistacia atlantica var. mutica Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Various therapeutic activities of Pistacia atlantica var. mutica such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity were shown by several studies. Regarding these therapeutic activities, and due to advantages of nanoparticles for drug delivery systems, the anti-colitic effects of P. atlantica var. mutica oleoresin nanoparticles were studied in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rats. Nanoparticles were synthesized by using ethanol and acetone as solvent. Nano precipitation method was also used for nanoparticles synthesis. P. atlantica oleoresin was orally administered to acetic acid-induced colitis rats at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg. Then rats were killed and their colons were dissected away for histopathological and macroscopic tests. Statistical results showed homogeneity and uniformity in size and size distribution of fabricated nanoparticles. Proposed models for size and size distribution of nanoparticles were also adequate (P value <0.05). All doses of nanoparticles of P. atlantica oleoresin significantly reduced macroscopic damage score. The microscopic study also showed anti-colitic activities of P. atlantica oleoresin nanoparticles. Administration of 200 mg/kg of fabricated nanoparticles showed  better anti-inflammatory and healing effects compared to other doses. Our results showed that nanoparticles of P. atlantica var. mutica oleoresin might be an effective agent to treat ulcerative colitis disease, due to the therapeutic activities of the plant and desirable properties of fabricated nanoparticles. Therefore, nanoparticles of P. atlantica var. mutica oleoresin might provide an alternative drug for colonic inflammation.