Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers for Antiulcer Treatment

Kanokkarn Phromnoi,Thida Chaiwangsri,Puksiri Sinchaiyakij,Maitree Suttajit,Piyawan Nuntaboon,Yupa Chanwikrai,Chakkrit Khanaree

doi:10.3390/scipharm87030022

Kanokkarn Phromnoi, Thida Chaiwangsri + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm87030022

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Abstract

For centuries, many kinds of native plants and their products have been used for the treatment of gastric ulcers by traditional healers in Phayao province. The current study aimed to investigate the polyphenol content in some of these medicinal plants and to point out the relationship between their antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory activities. Six species were selected based on ethnopharmacologic considerations: Punica granatum L., Psidium guajava L., Careya arborea Roxb., Gochnatia decora (Kurz) Cabr., Shorea obtusa Wall. ex Blume, and Ficus hispida L.f. The leaves or bark of these plants were extracted with 70% ethanol and water. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the extracts were analyzed based on nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and through the determination of scavenging activity. The results demonstrated that the ethanol extract from P. granatum and P. guajava leaves significantly inhibited NO production by suppressing nitric oxide synthase. The extracts also inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6 in terms of both mRNA and protein levels and possessed high antioxidants. These extracts were shown to contain the highest amount of polyphenols. Our study concluded that among the plants studied, P. granatum and P. guajava have the most significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and polyphenols. These plants may have the potential for use in gastric ulcer therapy due to their indicated properties. Future research should focus on the isolation of their active compounds and their in vivo biological activities. Their beneficial applications need to be warranted by such evidence.

Highlights

Gastric ulcers are a common digestive disease, which are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (Hp), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or stress
This study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and polyphenols in six medicinal plants found in Phayao, and those potentially effective for the treatment of gastric ulcer, namely, Punica granatum, Psidium guajava, Careya arborea, Gochnatia decora, Shorea obtusa, and Ficus hispida
Polyphenols and classes of polyphenols, including tannins and leuco-anthocyanins, were colorimetrically measured in a sample of six selected medicinal plants found in Phayao (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Gastric ulcers are a common digestive disease, which are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (Hp), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or stress. The production of proinflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and NO is a vital mechanism for ulceration [1,2,3]. These inflammatory molecules can react with free radicals, and this can result in the development of degenerative diseases [4]. Many researchers have revealed the relevance of gastrointestinal tract hormones and gastric mucosal blood flow in the regulation of the body’s physiological activities.

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