Gastro-protective effect of Ziziphus abyssinica root extracts in ethanol-induced acute ulcer in Wistar rats

Objective: To evaluate the gastro-protective effect of the aqueous, methanol and hexane root extracts of Ziziphusabyssinica on ethanol induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats as models. Methods: Seventy rats were divided into seven groups of ten rats each: control group, ulcer control group, standard control group (cimetidine 100 mg/kg body weight), aqueous, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane extract groups. They were administered the extracts at 300 and 600 mg/kg for two weeks before ulcer was induced, and the protective effect of all extracts determined. Results:Histological changes in gastric tissue were evaluated. Pretreatment withZiziphus abyssinica extracts showed significant (P < 0.05) gastro-protective effect with aqueous extract having the highest gastro-protective effect (95% and 93% at 300 and 600 mg/kg extract respectively). Methanol extract had 66.6% and 65.5% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg respectively. The percentage protection in ethyl acetate extract treated group was 51% and 45% respectively. The group treated with hexane had 23.8% and 28.6% protection at 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. Histological study showed that pretreatment with aqueous extract resulted in the preservation of the functional cyto-architecture of the entire mucosa with little pathological changes, compared to other extracts. Conclusions:The results of this study indicated that aqueous extract is effective against induced gastric ulcer.

Genistein Mitigates the Gastro-Toxic Effects of Bisphenol A in Male Wistar Rats

Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) worldwide is on the increase. Its toxicities in various tissues expressing estrogen receptors have been reported. However, limited information exists on its effects on the gastric tissue. This study therefore investigated the gastric effects of BPA exposure and the likely ameliorative potential of genistein, a phytoestrogen antioxidant, known to interact with estrogen receptors. Eighty-four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 14) and orally treated for 28 days. Group I-IV received distilled water (0.2 ml), corn oil (3 ml/kg), BPA (50 mg/kg) and genistein (50 mg/kg) respectively. Group V was pre-treated daily with BPA one hour prior to genistein administration while Group VI was pre-treated daily with genistein one hour prior to BPA treatment. Thereafter, blood was collected into heparinized bottles for hematological analysis. Gastric juice was collected for pH and electrolytes determination. Gastric tissue was excised and analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO), mucin, parietal and mucous cell counts, and histology. The BPA only treatment group exhibited significant increases (p < 0.05) in white blood cell count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, mucin concentration, NO, and malondialdehyde while gastric juice pH, bicarbonate, SOD, and GSH levels were reduced compared to control. The gastric mucosa also showed pathologies consistent with inflammation. Genistein pre-and post-treatment in BPA exposed rats significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated these effects of BPA. However, some signs of gastric inflammation were still evident in the mucosal samples. Bisphenol A induces gastro-toxicity by increasing gastric acidity, reducing gastric juice bicarbonate level and disrupting prooxidant/antioxidant balance. Genistein pre- and post-treatment ameliorated these gastro-toxic effects of Bisphenol A via gastroprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Gastro-protecting effect of gefarnate on chronic erosive gastritis with dyspeptic symptoms

Background The role of gastro-protecting agents on symptomatic chronic gastritis is unclear. This multicenter, open, randomized trial was designed to compare the comprehensive effects of gefarnate with sucralfate on erosive gastritis with dyspeptic symptoms. Methods Totally 253 dyspepsia patients confirmed with erosive gastritis were enrolled from six centers in China. They randomly received either daily 300 mg gefarnate or 3 g sucralfate for six weeks. The primary endpoint was the effective rate of both treatments on endoscopic erosion at week six. Results Gefarnate showed an effective rate of 72% and 67% on endoscopic score and dyspeptic symptom release, which is statistically higher than sucralfate （40.1% and 39.3%, P 〈0.001, intension-to-treat）. For histological improvement, gefarnate showed both effective in decreasing mucosal chronic inflammation （57.7% vs. 24.8%, P 〈0.001, intension-to-treat） and active inflammation （36.4% vs. 23.1%, P 〈0.05, intension-to-treat） than the control. A significant increase of prostaglandins and decrease of myeloperoxidase in mucosa were observed in gefarnate group. Severity of erosion is non-relevant to symptoms but Helicobacter pylori （H. pylor status does affect the outcome of therapy. Conclusions Gefarnate demonstrates an effective outcome on the mucosal inflammation in patients with chronic erosive qastritis. Endoscopic and inflammation score should be the major indexes used in gastritis-related trials.

Phytochemical Estimation and Therapeutic Amelioration of Aesculus hippocastanum L. Seeds Ethanolic Extract in Gastric Ulcer in Rats Possibly by Inhibiting Prostaglandin Synthesis

Objective To quantify phytochemicals using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy(LCMS)analysis and explore the therapeutic effect of Aesculus hippocastanum L.(AH)seeds ethanolic extract against gastric ulcers in rats.Methods Preliminary phytochemical testing and LCMS analysis were performed according to standard methods.For treatment,the animals were divided into 7 groups including normal control,ulcer control,self-healing,AH seeds low and high doses,ranitidine and per se groups.Rats were orally administered with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin,excluding the normal control group(which received 1%carboxy methyl cellulose)and the per se group(received 200 mg/kg AH seeds extract).The test group rats were then given 2 doses of AH seeds extract(100 and 200 mg/kg,respectively),while the standard group was given ranitidine(50 mg/kg).On the 11th day,rats in all groups were sacrificed,and their stomach was isolated to calculate the ulcer index,and other parameters such as blood prostaglandin(PGE2),tissue superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),malonyldialdehyde(MDA),and glutathione(GSH).All isolated stomach tissues were analyzed for histopathological findings.Results The phytochemical examination shows that the AH seeds contain alkaloids,flavonoids,saponins,phenolic components,and glycosides.LCMS analysis confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin.The AH seeds extract showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa conditions after indomethacin-induced gastric lesions(P<0.01).Further marked improvement in blood PGE2 and antioxidant enzymes,SOD,CAT,MDA and GSH,were observed compared with self-healing and untreated ulcer-induced groups(P<0.01).Histopathology results confirmed that AH seeds extract improved the mucosal layer and gastric epithelial membrane in treated groups compared to untreated ulcer-induced groups.Conclusions LCMS report confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin in AH seeds ethanolic extract.The therapeutic effect of AH seeds extract against indomethacin-induced ulcer in rat model indicated the regenerated membrane integrity,with improved cellular functions and mucus thickness.Further,improved antioxidant enzyme level would help to reduce PGE2 biosynthesis.