Keywords: 
• FM /
• ulcerative colitis /
• SOD /
• MDA

Abstract: Objective To study the effect of Fructus Mume(FM) on superoxide dismutase(SOD) activity and malondialdehyde(MDA) content in ulcerative colitis in mouse. Methods The mouse model of ulcerative colitis was set up by giving 3% dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) solution to the mouse as free drinking water, the normal group, model group were given 0.33 ml 0.9%Nacl, while FM high, middle and low dose groups were given the designed dosage by intragastric administration once a day, and last for 10 days. The occult blood test, observation of stool and the disease activity score (DAI) were observed. The colonic tissue morphology score was observed by visual inspection combined with microscope;SOD activity and MDA content of the lesions colon tissue were determined. Results The groups of FM high and middle dose had loose stools but no visible blood. DAI of all groups had decreased. There was significant difference (P< 0.01) in DAI between middle and high dose groups with model group. In the colonic mucosal pathological changes, FM high dose group had no severe mucosal erosion, ulcer, mucosal hyperemia and edema degree of light. In the determination of the activity of SOD value, FM high dose group, compared with the model group was significant difference (P< 0.01), higher than that in the model group. FM middle dose group compared with the normal group was significant difference (P< 0.05). There were no significant difference between FM high dose group and normal group. The measured MDA content, FM high dose group compared with the model group was significant difference (P< 0.01), which was lower than that in the model group. Conclusions Free radicals were closely related to UC colonic tissue damage, which participated in UC pathological process. FM had obvious therapeutic effect on UC, and it might play a therapeutic role by enhancing the lesion tissue SOD activity and lower MDA content in UC.