Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-hemorrhoidal Activity of L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) via Stimulation of Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity in Croton Oil-induced Hemorrhoid Model

L-carnitine (LC) is essential for energy production and the breakdown of fatty acids in mammals, plants, and specific bacteria. LC is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The primary goal of this investigation was to examine the potential of L-carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) as a supplement in treating hemorrhoids by using the model of Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid.

LCLT was procured from Sigma Aldrich, USA. Hemorrhoids were created in the anorectal region of the experimental rats using the Croton oil-induced hemorrhoid model. Subsequently, the rats were treated with LCLT (300 and 500 mg/kg) and a standard medication Pilex granules (400 mg/kg), for a period of 7 days. On the 7^th day, after 1 hour of treatment anti-hemorrhoidal potential was evaluated by examining the severity score, Evans blue (EB) dye exudation, rectoanal coefficient (RAC), cytokines profiling, and histopathology of anorectal tissue.

Supplementation with LCLT significantly reduced the severity score, Evans blue exudation, recto-anal coefficient, and cytokines like PG-E2, TNF-α, IL-6, and MMP-3. Additionally, histopathological examination showed a marked reduction in inflammation, congestion, and mononuclear cell (MNC) infiltration in anorectal tissue.

This study demonstrated that LCLT can be used as a supplement to treat hemorrhoids because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.