Histomorphometric study of ethanolic extract of Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. leaves on croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice: A Javanese traditional anti-hemorrhoid herb

Ethnopharmacology relevance Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., known as “handeuleum” in West Java and “Daun Ungu” in Indonesia, is traditionally used to cure hemorrhoids. Aim of the study The purpose of this study is to prove its effectiveness scientifically using anorectal histological parameters in Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid mice. Materials and methods In vivo tests were performed by observing histomorphologic changes in mice anorectal tissue induced by croton oil. In addition, in vitro assay was performed for evaluating antioxidant activity, astringency property, and hemostasis-associated activity. The antioxidant activity was measured using a DPPH radical scavenging assay. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were also determined spectrophotometrically. Results The in vivo assay showed that the oral-topical combination use of the ethanolic extract of G. pictum leaves demonstrated significant improvement on the croton oil-induced anorectal damage better than the single application by oral or topical application. Conclusion These results showed that G. pictum has potent anti hemorrhoid activity, especially for the combinational use of oral and topical administration.