Effect of shilajit on the levels of pro-inflammatory and anti inflammatory cytokines in ulcerative colitis induced by acetic acid in male rats

Background: The levels of IL-13, IL-4, IL-1B, TNF-α and IL-10 alter in the colon of people with ulcerative colitis. previous studies, it was found that shilajit (asphaltum) was effective in the improvement of ulcerative colitis.we guessed that the shilajit has been able to improve the ulcerative colitis by affecting the amount of cytokines. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of shilajit on IL-13, IL-4, IL-1B, TNF-α and IL-10 in ulcerative colitis. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 white male rats were randomly divided into 7 groups including sham groups, ulcerative colitis, Gavage vehicle, Gavage shilajit, sulfasalazine, Intra Anal Vehicle, Intra Anal shilajit. To produce ulcerative colitis 2 cc acetic acid (4%) was prescribed intra-rectal. 4 days after the induction of colitis, it was given 4 days: shilajit 250 mg / kg was used as a gavage or intra anal. Sulfasalazine was dosed at 250 mg / kg in the form of gavage. Results: The Gavage shilajit group increased IL-10, IL-4and decreased IL-1β, TNF-α compared to Gavage vehicle group. Shilajit has been able to close the levels of IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, TNF-α to normal values of the sham group. Conclusion: Considering that the weight ratio of intestinal rat to the body of rat in the shilajit groups was lower than that of the sulfasalazine group, it can be shown that shilajit has been able to more reduce inflammation by making a more suitable change in cytokines in comparison with sulfasalazine.