Suppression of TNBS-induced colitis in rats by 4-methylesculetin, a natural coumarin: Comparison with prednisolone and sulphasalazine

► We compared the effects of the 4-methylesculetin with sulphasalazine and prednisolone. ► 4-Methylesculetin produced better anti-inflammatory effects than sulphasalazine. ► 4-Methylesculetin produced similar anti-inflammatory effects than prednisolone. ► The action is related to antioxidant effect and inhibition of cytokine production. ► 4-Methylesculetin is a potential compound for treatment of intestinal inflammation.