Anti-inflammatory activity of acacia catechu-bark aqueous solution in aspirin induced gastric ulcer in rodents

Abstract

Background: Aspirin is amongst the most widely used drugs and has many adverse effects on gastric mucosa. Anti-inflammatory properties of Acacia catechu have been established already. Objective was to evaluate the histopathological changes induced by aspirin in the stomach of albino rats and to assess the protective effect of different doses of Acacia catechu.Methods: Experimental study Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore for 21 days. Forty-eight adult albino rats, both males and female, were divided into four groups A, B, C and D randomly; each comprising of 12 rats. Group A was control, group B was given aspirin 100 mg/kg and group C and D were given aspirin 100 mg/kg along with Acacia catechu 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively by oral route. The rats from individual group were sacrificed on 3rd day, 7th day and 14th day and stomachs were examined under light microscope to observe the inflammatory cells infiltration.Results: Gross and microscopic findings on days 3, 7 and 14 were similar. Control groups A1, A2 and A3 showed normal healthy gastric mucosa and the least number of inflammatory cells. In group B, aspirin produced ulcerations and linear breaks; with highest inflammatory infiltrates. On microscopic examination, numerous inflammatory cells were noted. Group C and D rats had minimum ulcer index and fewer inflammatory cells.Conclusions: Acacia catechu has protective role against gastric injury by inhibiting inflammation.