Orally available extract from Brassica oleracea var. capitata rubra attenuates experimental colitis in mouse models of inflammatory bowel diseases

Red cabbage is an important source of vitamins, micro- and macroelements and polyphenols. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of red cabbage extract (RCE) in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The effect of RCE on experimental colitis was determined using clinical, macro- and microscopic parameters of inflammation. To study the mechanism of RCE action, the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and parameters of oxidative stress were assessed. RCE produced a potent anti-inflammatory action in the mouse model of Crohn's disease, as shown by decreased macroscopic damage score in acute (2.70 ± 0.24 vs. 5.78 ± 0.58 for control group) and chronic (1.81 ± 0.38 vs. 2.94 ± 0.29) colitis model. In the animal model of ulcerative colitis, total macroscopic score was decreased after prophylactic and therapeutic administration (11.9 ± 0.5 and 11.2 ± 0.9 vs. 14.2 ± 0.4 in control group, respectively). Red cabbage extract may be applied as a potential dietary supplement in IBD therapy.