GASTROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ARTICHOKE (CYNARA SCOLYMUS L.) LEAVES AND PULP EXTRACTS ON PEPTIC ULCER IN MALE RATS

Abstract

The phytochemical screening of artichoke leaves aqueous extract (ALE) and artichoke pulp aqueous extract (APE) were undertaken and its protective effect against aspirin-induced peptic ulcer in rats was studied. Forty-two mature male rats were randomized into 6 equal groups as follows: (1) negative control rats, (2) positive control rats , Groups (3)and (4) rats pretreated with (ALE) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt, respectively .Groups (5) and (6) rats pretreated with (APE) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt, respectively for 28 days . At the last day of the experimental period all groups were given aspirin 400 mg/Kg b.wt , to induce peptic ulcer except group (1) kept as a normal rats . At the end of the experimental period rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for serum biochemical analyses. Stomach of the sacrificed rats was taken for determination of biomarkers of gastric ulcer and histopathological examination. The phytochemical screening revealed that both ALE and APE contains flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and devoid of resins and triterpenes. Oral pretreatments with both ALE and APE at 400 mg/kg b.wt showed a promising antioxidant effect represented by significant reduction in the volume of gastric juice, total acidity of gastric juice, gastric ulcer index , concentration of pepsin enzyme ,serum interleukin-1 IL-1, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-α and lipid peroxidation along with a significant elevation in, gastric prostaglandin PGE2 level and antioxidant enzymes compared to control positive group. Histopathological examination of the stomach showed alleviation of histological degeneration changes caused by aspirin. The study recommends that intake of artichoke in food or its use as herbal tea may be beneficial for patients who might use irritant drugs to their stomach , due to its antioxidant properties. Moreover, isolation of bioactive constituents of artichoke plant is necessary to search for safe natural agents to be developed for therapy instead of chemically synthesized drugs which are usually accompanied by deleterious side effects.