Gastroprotective effects of Triticum aestivum Linn., extract on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass) is high in nutrient availability and antioxidant enzymes. It also functions as a detoxifier and aids in the rejuvenation of healthy cells. The current study sought to determine the gastroprotective impact of aqueous ethanolic extract of wheatgrass on the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer.
 
 Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were given an oral dosage of 100% ethanol (1 ml/200g) to cause gastric ulcers. A reference medicine called omeprazole was given orally at dosages of 20 mg/kg body weight and 200 and 400 mg/kg of wheatgrass extract, respectively. Blood samples were taken an hour after ethanol administration, and the stomachs of deceased rats were then examined biochemically, macroscopically, and microscopically.
 
 Results: The gastric ulcer index considerably decreased after taking wheatgrass extract orally, which showed a considerable attenuation of gastric ulcer. The serum level of TNF-? and the activity of the gastric MPO were both significantly enhanced by pre-treatment with wheatgrass extract. Furthermore, compared to the ethanol-induced group, wheatgrass pre-treatment dramatically boosted gastric levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, including CAT, TAC, and GSH with concurrent reductions in MDA levels. Further evidence for these conclusions came from histopathology research, which showed that wheatgrass had a healing impact on the hemorrhagic shock brought on by ethanol poisoning.
 
 Conclusion: Due to its propensity to decrease oxidative stress and gastric inflammation, wheatgrass extract may have gastroprotective effects on ethanol-induced stomach ulcers.