The Modulatory Influence of Humic Acid on Cognitive Impairment and Neurobehavioral Changes Induced by Colitis in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Abstract Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is regarded as a chronic inflammatory disorder that involves any part of the colon. It typically presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, rectal urgency, and comorbid neuropsychiatric manifestations such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Different drugs are used in the management of ulcerative colitis, including medicinal plants and other substances from organic sources. This study was conducted to investigate the role of humic acid in attenuating neurobehavioral disorders caused by Dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in male Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into groups (n = 5). Group 1[control group]; group 2 [5% Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) without any additional treatment]; group 3 [5% DSS followed by administration of humic acid (30 mg/kg)]; group 4 [5% DSS followed by administration of sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg)]. Behavioral patterns of the rats were assessed pre-colitis induction, immediately after colitis induction on day 5, and immediately after drug treatment of ulcerative colitis (post-treatment). The disease activity index for colitis was obtained on days 1, 3, 5, and 10 of the experimental duration. Thereafter, the colons were harvested for macroscopic assessment of colitis. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05. Results:Findings revealed that treatment with humic acid significantly attenuated anxiety, depression-like behavior, and cognitive impairment triggered by colitis, with via modulations on the brain enzymatic antioxidants and neurochemicals. Conclusion:This study shows that humic acid treatment suppresses colitis-induced changes in neurobehavioral patterns and have neuroprotective effects in addition to its gastroprotective properties.