Ethanol-induced Gastric Ulcer In Rats Research Articles

Momordica charantia polysaccharides ameliorate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in ethanol-induced gastritis in mucosa through NF-kB signaling pathway inhibition

This study investigated the therapeutic role of polysaccharides from M. charantia and their mechanism of action against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. Their effects were determined through macroscopic evaluation of the gastric cavity (gastric ulcer index [GUI]), changes in PGE2, lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), antioxidant systems (catalase and reduced glutathione), inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and myeloperoxidase [MPO]), apoptotic markers (caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB [p65]), and histopathological staining (H&E and PAS). Pretreatment with MCP (300mg/kg p.o.) attenuated the severity of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage, reductions in GUI, histopathologic aberrations, and neutrophil invasion, and PGE2 upregulation. These actions were similar to those of omeprazole, a reference anti-ulcer drug. MCP repressed gastric inflammation through the reduction of MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6, and prevented gastric oxidative stress through the inhibition of lipid peroxides with the concomitant enhancement of glutathione and catalase activity. Apoptotic markers indicated that MCP suppressed Bax and caspase-3 activity and enhanced the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, which favored cell survival. MCP downregulated NF-κB and upregulated IκBα. Our study results suggested that the prophylactic administration of MCP reduced ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats through the suppression of gastric inflammation and oxidative stress, predominantly via NF-κB inhibition.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Water Extract of Acrostichum aureum Linn. against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

Acrostichum aureum Linn., a medicinal pteridophyte growing in mangrove forests and coastal regions of tropical and subtropical areas worldwide, has been proved to possess various biological effects. However, the protective effect of Acrostichum aureum Linn. against gastric ulcer still remains unidentified. Therefore, the gastroprotective effect of the water extract of Acrostichum aureum Linn. (WEAC) was investigated in ethanol-induced gastric injury model. According to our results, pretreatment with WEAC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) could dramatically decrease the ulcer areas and ameliorate the pathological damage induced by alcohol in rat's gastric tissues. In addition, WEAC administration prevented the stomach from oxidative damage via markedly increasing the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and decreasing the malondialdehyde (MDA). Besides, WEAC pretreatment alleviated inflammatory infiltration by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as decreasing the protein expressions of phosphorylation of IκBα and p65. Taken together, WEAC exerted potential therapeutic efficacy for gastric ulceration, and this may be involved in the suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

Innovative phytoformulation containing capsaicinoids: Microparticles development, analytical method validation, and anti-ulcer effect

Background: Capsicum annuum L. and Capsicum frutescens L., of family Solanaceae, contain capsaicinoids with several pharmacological effects. However, their pungency limits the long-term use through the gastrointestinal tract. Objective: To obtain phytoformulations of microparticles containing capsaicinoids for reducing their pungency by oral route to achieve an anti-ulcer effect. Materials and Methods: Microparticles of poly(e-caprolactone) containing capsaicinoids were prepared by simple emulsion/solvent evaporation. An optimized reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet (UV) detection for quantifying capsaicinoids into microparticle phytoformulations was then developed and validated. Chromatographic conditions consisted of a C18 reverse-phase analytical column (250 mm × 4.60 mm, 5 μm) using a mixture of acetonitrile and water (70:30 v/v) adjusted to pH 4.5 as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.75 mL/min with UV detection at 280 nm. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, limit of detection, accuracy, precision, and robustness. The gastroprotective activity of pure capsaicinoids and loaded microparticles against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats was performed. Results: Microparticles were successfully obtained. Analytical validation provided suitable results regarding all parameters investigated. These phytoformulations presented suitable encapsulation efficiency higher than 90%. Regarding the ulcerative lesion index (ULI) scores, poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) microparticles containing 5% of capsaicinoids (ULI = 16.3 ± 1.8 points) was statistically similar (P > 0.05) to ranitidine (ULI = 15.3 ± 1.4 points) and omeprazole (ULI = 8.0 ± 1.2 points). Conclusion: Capsaicinoids-loaded PCL microparticles reveal the potential to be suitable candidates as controlled drug delivery system for the therapeutic management of ulcer. Abbreviations used: CAP: Pure capsaicin; EE: Encapsulation efficiency; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; LOD: Limit of detection; LOQ: Limit of quantitation; MC0: Unloaded microparticles; MC3: Capsaicinoids-loaded poly(e-caprolactone) microparticles (3%); MC5: Capsaicinoids-loaded poly(e-caprolactone) microparticles (5%); MC10: Capsaicinoids-loaded poly(e-caprolactone) microparticles (10%); OME: Omeprazole; PCL: Poly(e-caprolactone); PVA: Poly (vinyl alcohol); PTFE: Polytetrafluoroethylene; RAN: Ranitidine; RSD: Relative standard deviation; SD: Standard deviation; SEM: Standard error of mean; TCM: Caprylic/capric triglycerides; TRPV: Transient receptor potential vanilloid; TRPV1: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1; ULI: Ulcerative lesion index

Gastroprotective effect of formononetin against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats via augmentation of cytoprotective markers and curtailing apoptotic gene expression

Background: Formononetin (FMN), one of the major isoflavones in red clover, has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective activities. However, there is no report on the gastroprotective effect of FMN against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. Objective: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to gastric ulcer, and the purpose of the present study was to examine the protective effect of FMN on mucosal lesions induced by ethanol. Materials and Methods: Fasted rats were orally administered with FMN at different doses, omeprazole (20 mg/kg), followed by intragastrical ingestion of ethanol (5 ml/kg) after 1 h and sacrificed after 1 h of exposure. Gross microscopic, macroscopic, and biochemical assays were scrutinized. Results: Compared with ethanol, FMN pretreatment showed a significant increase in the gastric levels of glutathione while decreased the malondialdehyde content remarkably. FMN pretreatment also bestowed the cytoprotective efficacy against ethanol-induced ulceration by reestablishing the decreased level of nitrite (NO). Furthermore, in histopathological sections, reduced pathological changes of gastric lesions were markedly observed in the FMN-pretreated groups compared with those in the ethanol group. Western blot analysis showed upregulation of BcL2 while downregulation of Bax in FMN-pretreated gastric tissue of rats. Conclusion: These results indicate that FMN exerts gastroprotective effects through the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic that are probably mediated by enhanced NO release, suggesting its therapeutic use to treat gastric ulceration by preserving mucosal glycoproteins and diminishing oxidative stress. Abbreviations used: NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; FMN: Formononetin; CMC: Carboxymethylcellulose; UI: Ulcer index; MDA: Malondialdehyde; GSH: Reduced glutathione; NO: Nitrite; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; Hgb: Hemoglobin; T-RBC: Total red blood cells; Hct: Hematocrit; MCV: Mean corpuscular volume; MCH: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC: Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; TLC: Total leukocyte count

Anti-diarrheal, anti-secretory, anti-spasmodic and antiulcer activities of <i>Acacia modesta</i> (Mimosaceae) aerial parts

Purpose: To explore the pharmacological basis for folkloric use of Acacia modesta for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal spasm.Methods: Acacia modesta crude extract (Am.Cr) for antidiarrheal activity (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg) was investigated in terms of reduction in diarrhea droppings in castor-oil induced diarrhea, while antisecretory activity (300 and 1000 mg/kg) was studied in castor-oil induced model in mice. Isolated rabbit jejunum tissues were employed for in vitro experiments. For antiulcer assay, ethanol-induced gastrointestinal ulcer rat model was used.Results: Am.Cr tested positive for alkaloid, tannins and flavonoids. It exhibited protective effect against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation in mice at 100 - 1000 mg/kg, similar to the standard drugs, loperamide and atropine respectively. In isolated tissue (rabbit jejunum), Am.Cr concentration-dependently (0.01 - 3.0 mg/mL) produced relaxation of K+ (80 mM)-induced and spontaneous contractions at concentrations to papaverine. Am.Cr significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. In acute toxicity testing Am.Cr did not produce any mortality up to 5 g/kg dose.Conclusion: These results show that Acacia modesta possesses anti-diarrheal, anti-secretory, antispasmodic and anti-ulcer activities, probably mediated through dual mechanisms, including Ca2+ influx and PDE enzyme(s) inhibition. The presence of phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and tannins, suggest the validity of the acclaimed ethnomedicinal effects in hyperactive gut disorders.Keywords: Acacia modesta, Antidiarrheal, Antisecretory, Antispasmodic, Antiulcer

Protective effect of salusin-α and salusin-β against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Alcohol consumption has been found to be associated with gastric ulcers, including gastric mucosal lesions. Salusin-α and salusin-β are bioactive peptides having 28 and 20 amino acids, respectively. Salusin-α and salusin-β immunoreactivity has been detected in the stomach and in the intestines. It has been reported that the salusins regulate the cytokine levels and decrease the infarct area in the heart tissue after ischemia. In this study, we investigated the effects of the salusins in the gastric injury formed with ethanol. Thirty-two sprague Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups, including eight rats in each group as follows: Group 1: control; Group 2: ethanol 5 mL/kg; Group 3: ethanol 5 mL/kg+5 nmol/kg salusin-α; Group 4: ethanol 5 mL/kg+5 nmol/kg salusin-β. The salusin-α level increased at a significant level in the ulcer group formed with ethanol (p<0.001); the change in the salusin-β level is not significant. As for malondialdehyde (p<0.05) and myeloperoxidase (p<0.001), when compared with the control group, tumor necrosis factor-α (p<0.05) levels increased in the group to which ethanol was applied and decreased significantly with the application of salusins. Levels of GSH and IL-1β did not change at a significant level. In addition, histopathologic analysis demonstrated that, in salusin-administered groups, mucosal injury and caspase-3 expressions were reduced. The suppression of salusin-α and salusin-β on caspase-3 expression by means of their effects on oxidative injury and TNF-α levels shows that these two hormones could serve as anti-ulcerative agents.

Protective effects of edible Rhus tripartita (Ucria) stem extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Rhus tripartita is a plant which is traditionally used for the treatment of ulcer and diarrhea in Tunisia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antiulcer activity of methanol extract of Rhus tripartita stem (RSE).The phytochemical analysis of RSE was performed. Fasted rats treated with 80% ethanol (0.5mL) to induce gastric ulcer, were pretreated orally with RSE at different doses (200, 400 and 800mg/kg body weight (BW)) and ranitidine (100mg/kg) and distilled water were used as a positive and negative control respectively.The results showed that the pre-treatment with RSE decreased significantly the ethanol gastric ulcer index value and preserved the integrity of the gastric mucosa by preventing the mucosal ulceration caused by ethanol. The RSE prevented alcohol-induced decrease in stomach antioxidant enzyme activities such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Total reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde tissue contents were also reversed in RSE-pretreated rats when compared with the negative control group.

Folic Acid Supplementation Ameliorates Inflammation and Apoptosis in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Rats

Although the gastroprotective potential of folic acid has been reported, little is known about the role of inflammation and apoptosis in the said activity. This study, therefore, assessed lipid peroxidation (LPO), Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP) as markers of inflammation and, p53 and BCl-2 as markers of apoptosis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer pretreated with Folic acid (FA) for twenty-one (21) days. Adult male Wistar rats were arranged into experimental groups (n = 5) viz: 1) Control; 2) Ulcer control; 3) 2FA (2 mg/kg folic acid + Ulcer); 4) 3FA (3 mg/kg folic acid + Ulcer); 5) OMEP (20 mg/kg omeprazole + Ulcer); 6) 2FA + OMEP + Ulcer; and 7) 3FA + OMEP + Ulcer. Ulcer score, LPO, NLR, serum CRP were all determined one hour post ulcer induction. Paraffin gastric sections were stained first with H & E, then immunostained for p53 and BCl-2. Ethanol caused gastric lesion with an index of 3.0 ± 0.2. Ulcer severity and LPO was significantly decreased in the 2FA, 3FA, OMEP, 2FA + OMEP and 3FA + OMEP groups. NLR reduced significantly in the 2FA, 3FA, OMEP and OMEP + 3FA group. Qualitatively, there was absence of C-reactive protein in the 2FA group while quantitatively, presence of CRP appeared sustained in the 3FA and OMEP treated groups. Unlike p53, the expression and labeling index of BCl-2 were significantly enhanced more in the FA and OMEP combination than OMEP alone. Folic acid ameliorates the development of gastric ulcer in rats via its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.

Gastroprotective effect of Nigella sativa seed on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Background: Peptic ulcer is a gastrointestinal disease characterized by mucosal damage. The study is aimed at evaluating the gastroprotective effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty rats were divided into four groups of five rats each and were fasted for 18 h. Rats in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were pretreated with normal saline, gestid, and N. sativa extract at 320 mg/kg and 640 mg/kg, respectively, 30 min before administration of 80% ethanol. All the rats were sacrificed after 1 h and the stomachs were cut open. The stomachs were examined for macroscopic lesions and processed for light microscopic study. Results: There was a significant decrease in ulcer index of rats pretreated with gestid suspension, 320 and 640 mg/kg of N. sativa extract as compared to those of rats pretreated with normal saline at P < 0.05. The stomach of rats pretreated with normal saline showed mucosa full of lesions, those of rats pretreated with gestid suspension showed very few vascular congestion, while those of rats pretreated with 640 mg/kg of N. sativa showed few vascular congestion. Photomicrograph of the stomach of rats pretreated with normal saline showed vacuolation of basement epithelium while those of rats pretreated with gestid suspension and N. sativa extract showed normal basement epithelium. Conclusion: N. sativa seed extract was able to protect the stomach mucosa from gastric ulceration.

Gastroprotective Effects of Various Scrophularia striata Extracts on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Gastroprotective Effects of Various Scrophularia striata Extracts on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Therapeutic effect of low molecular weight chitosan containing sepia ink on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

To evaluate the role of low molecular chitosan containing sepia ink (LMCS) in ethanol-induced (5 ml/kg) gastric ulcer in rats. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 12): normal group (Normal), negative control group (Con), experiment group (LMCS) and positive control Omeprazole group (OMZ). Gastric empty rate was detected in the first 7 days. Rats were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 21 day for histology and ELISA detections. Gastric empty was no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). Histological observation showed gastric mucosal LMCS treated had better healing effect. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) was significantly increased from 7 day (P < 0.05). LMCS significantly inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) generation for lipid peroxidation from 7 day (P < 0.05). LMCS significantly promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) at the earlier stage (P < 0.05). OMZ had the similar effects above. As for myeloperoxidase (MPO), LMCS significantly decreased and restored it to normal levels from 7 day (P < 0.05), it is earlier than OMZ which is from 14 day. LMCS can improve gastric mucosa tissue repair, exert significant influences on oxidative and antioxidant enzyme activities and neutrophil infiltration.

Gastroprotective effect and chemical characterization of a polysaccharide fraction from leaves of Croton cajucara

Croton cajucara Benth. is a tree from the Amazon Forest, where it is known as sacaca. Its leaves and barks are used in medicinal preparations to treat different diseases, including gastric ulcers. The crude polysaccharide fraction (CCP), obtained from the hot aqueous extract of C. cajucara leaves, was able to promote gastroprotection on an ethanol induced gastric ulcer model. Therefore, a bioguided fractionation was performed to isolate the active polysaccharide fraction. After freezing-thawing, ultrafiltration and dialyses at 100, 50, and 25kDa cut-off membranes, fraction 25R was obtained. It contained glucose, galactose, rhamnose, arabinose, galacturonic acid and mannose in a 7:5:5:3:1:1 molar ratio approximately, and had a Mw of 42,840g/mol. Methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy indicated that 25R is a very complex polysaccharide fraction containing type I rhamnogalacturonan, arabinan, type I arabinogalactan, type II arabinogalactan, rhamnan, starch and mannan. It was able to reduce ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, through preservation of mucus and GSH levels.

Gastroprotective effects of 1-Hydroxy-2-phenylbenzimidazole in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats

Abstract Introduction: Benzimidazole compounds are known for their reduction of gastric secretion by inhibition of H+/K+-ATPase enzyme. Aim: The gastroprotective activity of the synthesized 1-hydroxy-2-phenylbenzimidazole (HPB) is examined on gastric lesions induced in rats by the oral ingestion of ethanol. Methods: Gastroprotective activity was evaluated by estimation of the numbers and cumulative lengths of glandular gastric ulcers induce by ethanol. The effect of pretreatment with HPB given alone and in combination with ranitidine on the number and length of gastric ulcers; and as well as on gastric volume and total gastric acidity were investigated. Results: Pre-treatment of rats with HPB at the doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg IP, significantly decreased the number and the length of ethanol induced gastric ulcers compared to control group. The highest curative ratio 53.89% and the most reduction of gastric acidity were obtained with the highest dose of HPB (50 mg/kg) in combination with ranitidine. Histopathological findings confirmed the protective effect of the HPB. Conclusion: The synthesized benzimidazole derivative (HPB) provided a gastroprotective effects on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. This protective activity may be partly due to its ability to attenuate acid secretion.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiulcer Potential of Manuka Honey against Gastric Ulcer in Rats.

Gastric ulcers are among the most common diseases affecting humans. This study aimed at investigating the gastroprotective effects of manuka honey against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The mechanism by which honey exerts its antiulcer potential was elucidated. Four groups of rats were used: control, ethanol (ulcer), omeprazole, and manuka honey. Stomachs were examined macroscopically for hemorrhagic lesions in the glandular mucosa, histopathological changes, and glycoprotein detection. The effects of oxidative stress were investigated using the following indicators: gastric mucosal nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxide (MDA, measured as malondialdehyde) glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and IL-6 were also measured. Manuka honey significantly decreased the ulcer index, completely protected the mucosa from lesions, and preserved gastric mucosal glycoprotein. It significantly increased gastric mucosal levels of NO, GSH, GPx, and SOD. Manuka honey also decreased gastric mucosal MDA and plasma TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations. In conclusion, manuka honey likely exerted its antiulcer, effect by keeping enzymatic (GPx and SOD) and nonenzymatic (GSH and NO) antioxidants as well as inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in a reduced form, inhibited lipid peroxidation (MDA), and preserved mucous glycoproteins levels.

Gastroprotective effects and antimicrobial activity of Lithraea molleoides and isolated compounds against Helicobacter pylori

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used in South America to treat various ailments, including diseases of the digestive system. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the in vivo antiulcer and antimicrobial activities against Helicobacter pylori of L. molleoides and its isolated compounds. Materials and methodsMethanolic extract 250 and 500mg/kg, (LmE 250 and LmE 500, respectively) and infusions, 10g and 20g en 100mL (LmI 10 and LmI 20, respectively) of L. molleoides was evaluated for antiulcer activity against 0.6N HCl, 0.2N NaOH, 200mg/kg acetilsalicilic acid and absolute ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. The degree of erosion in the glandular part of the stomach was assessed from a scoring system. Acute toxicity in mice was also evaluated. The antiulcer effect of the isolated compounds (catechol, mannitol, rutin, gallic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid, 100mg/kg) was evaluated against absolute ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.The anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of L. molleoides and isolated compounds was performed using broth dilution methods. ResultsThe LmE 250, LmE 500, LmI 10 and LmI 20 produced significant inhibition on the ulcer index in 0.6N HCl, 0.2N NaOH, 200mg/kg acetilsalicilic acid and absolute ethanol- induced gastric ulcers in rats. The isolated compounds, catechol, mannitol, rutin, ferulic acid and caffeic acid were active in absolute ethanol- induced gastric ulcers in rats. L. molleoides and different compounds showed antimicrobial activity in all strains tested. The lowest MIC value (0. 5μg/mL) was obtained with catechol in six of eleven strains assayed. No signs of toxicity were observed with doses up to 2g/kg in an acute toxicity assay. ConclusionThese findings indicate that L. molleoides displays potential antiulcerogenic and antimicrobial activities and the identification of active principles could support the use of this plant for the treatment of digestive affections.

Apocynin protects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats by attenuating the upregulation of NADPH oxidases 1 and 4

Gastric ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting many people all over the world. Absolute ethanol (5 ml/kg) was used to induce gastric ulceration in rats. Apocynin (50 mg/kg) was given orally one hour before the administration of absolute ethanol. Omeprazole (20 mg/kg) was used as a standard. Interestingly, apocynin pre-treatment provided 93.5% gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulceration. Biochemically, gastric mucin content was significantly increased with apocynin pre-treatment. This finding was further supported by alcian blue staining of stomach sections obtained from the different treated groups. Also, gastric juice volume and acidity were significantly reduced. Apocynin significantly ameliorated ethanol-induced oxidative stress by replenishing reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels as well as reducing elevated malondialdehyde levels in gastric tissues. Besides, ethanol-induced pro-inflammatory response was significantly decreased by apocynin pre-treatment via reducing elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers; interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Additionally, caspase-3 tissue level was significantly reduced in apocynin pre-treated group. Interestingly, NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1) and NOX-4 up-regulation was shown to be partially involved in the pathogenesis of ethanol-induced gastric ulceration and was significantly reversed by apocynin pre-treatment. Gastroprotective properties of apocynin were confirmed by histopathological examination. It is worth mentioning that apocynin was superior in all aspects except gastric mucin content parameter where it was significantly increased by 13.5 folds in the omeprazole pre-treated group. This study was the first to show that apocynin is a promising gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, partially via its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effects as well as down-regulating NOX-1 and NOX-4 expression.

Effectiveness of Sidr Honey on the prevention of ethanol-induced gatroulcerogenesis: role of antioxidant and antiapoptotic mechanism

Background: Sider (Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.) Honey has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders including peptic ulcer. Aim of the study: The mechanism of the antiulcer effect of sider honey was studied placing emphasis on its role to block oxidative damage and apoptosis during ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. The mechanism of the antiulcer effect of sider honey was studied placing emphasis on its role to block oxidative damage and apoptosis during ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in rats. Materials and methods: Experimental animals were orally treated with sidr honey (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively) or omeprazole and subsequently exposed to 95%ethanol (5 mL/Kg, orally) to induce acute gastroulcerogenesis. Effectiveness of sidr honey was evaluated using ulcer index, pH of gastric juice, mucus content, morphological analyses, glutathione assay and malondialdehyde level. The anti-apoptotic role of sidr honey was studied using immunohistochemical staining of gastric tissues using monoclonal antibodies of Bax pathway. Results: Dose-response studies in ethanol-induced ulcer indicate that sidr honey significantly blocks gastric lesions at lower dose (100 mg/kg). Lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion were significantly inhibited by sidr honey. Sidr honey modulated the immuno-expression of mitochondrial associated protein (Bax). Conclusion: Thus, sider honey plays a considerable role in gastro protection by acting as a potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic agent. Future study is required to explore its potential clinical usage.

Protective effects of friedelin isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats and possible underlying mechanisms

The current study was aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of friedelin isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of Azima tetracantha. Ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model was used to investigate the gastroprotective effects of friedelin. Antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, gastric vascular permeability, pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis level have been investigated. Ethanol caused severe gastric damage and friedelin pretreatment protected against its deleterious role. Antioxidant enzyme activities, anti-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), constitutive nitric oxide synthase (cNOS) and mucus weight have been increased significantly. However, the vascular permeability, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), caspase-3 and apoptosis level have significantly been decreased after friedelin ingestion. The present study has clearly demonstrated the anti-ulcer potential of friedelin, these findings suggested that friedelin could be a new useful natural gastroprotective tool against gastric ulcer.

Phytochemical composition, protective and therapeutic effect on gastric ulcer and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Achillea biebersteinii Afan.

Three sesquiterpene lactones [two germacranolides (micranthin and sintenin) and one guaianolide (4β,10α-dihydroxy-5β,7β,8βH-guaia-1,11(13)dien-12,8α-olide)] and four derivatives of 3-methoxy flavones (santin, quercetagetin-3,6,3'-trimethyl ether, quercetagetin-3,6-dimethyl ether, and 5,7 dihydroxy 3,3',4'-trimethoxy flavone) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of the aerial parts of Achillea biebersteinii Afan. (Asteraceae). Evaluation of protective and therapeutic effects of EAE against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats was carried. Antiulcer activity evaluation was done through measuring ulcer indices, stomach acidity, gastric volume and lesion counts. Oxidative stress markers; malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase were also estimated. The work was extended to determine the histopathological assessment of the stomach. Gastric ulcer exhibited a significant elevation of the ulcer index and oxidative stress markers. The extract attenuated these increments and recorded protective and therapeutic effects against gastric ulcer. Hyperglycaemia increases the mucosal susceptibility to ulcerogenic stimuli and predisposes gastric ulceration. In vitro α-amylase inhibitory assay was applied to evaluate the post prandial antihyperglycaemia activity. The result showing that the EAE has the ability to reduce starch-induced postprandial glycaemic excursions by virtue of potent intestinal α-amylase inhibitory activity. These findings demonstrated the remarkable potential of A. biebersteinii as valuable source of antiulcer agent with post prandial hyperglycaemia lowering effect.

Medicinal mushroom for prevention of disease of modern civilization.

Medicinal mushroom for prevention of disease of modern civilization.