Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory
bowel disease worldwide. This study evaluated the antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects of cinnamon oil and βcarotene on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in rats. Methods: 50
adult albino rats were divided into five groups: group I (control),
group II (UC induced by 4% AA), group III (UC treated with
sulfasalazine 100 mg/kg BW/day), group IV (sulfasalazine +
cinnamon oil 2.5 ml/kg BW/day), and group V (sulfasalazine +
cinnamon oil + β-carotene 50 mg/kg BW/day). Treatments were
given orally for seven days. Colonic tissues were evaluated by
biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical methods.
Results: Sulfasalazine alone (group III) or with cinnamon oil
(group IV) significantly reduced macroscopic damage, ulcer
index, and disease activity index compared with UC group. Both
groups showed restored antioxidant markers (MDA, CAT, SOD)
and improved mucosal regeneration with decreased MPO and
caspase-3 expression. Notably, group V, receiving sulfasalazine
with cinnamon oil and β-carotene, demonstrated the most
pronounced improvement in all parameters, with nearly normal
mucosal architecture. Conclusion: Combined therapy of
sulfasalazine, cinnamon oil, and β-carotene exerted synergistic
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, providing greater
protection against AA-induced UC than monotherapy or dual
therapy.