Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Ground Cherry (Physalis angulata L.) standardized CO2 phytopharmaceutical preparation

Figure 3 Electromicrographs (scanning electron microscopy) of colon samples from different experimental groups. Crypts (white arrows), goblet cells (black arrows) and mucin (m). In A (non-colitic group): regular mucosal architecture with polygonal units as structural subunits, regular microvilli giving a smooth velvety appearance, crypts (white arrows), goblet cells (black arrows) and mucin (m) extruded; In B (TNBS control group): complete loss of the smooth velvety appearance and polygonal shape of absorptive cells, hyperplasia of goblet cells (white arrows), absence of mucin extrusion and crypts, characteristics of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease; In C (PACO₂ 25 mg/kg-treated group): slight recovery of polygonal shape (black arrows) of absorptive cells, however the number of goblet cells remained elevated; In D (PACO₂ 50 mg/kg-treated group): smaller number of goblet cells, greater recovery of polygonal appearance (black arrows) and increased mucin (m) compared to TNBS control group; In E (PACO₂ 100mg/kg-treated group): good recovery of mucosa architecture, with goblet cells (black arrows) similar to healthy animals including crypts (white arrows) and mucin (m) for protection.