Effects of Meissn. extract on indomethacin induced gastric damage in rats.

We investigated the anti-ulcer activity of ethanol extracts of on indomethacin induced gastric damage in rats. We evaluated the number of ulcer areas, oxidant and antioxidant parameters as well as histopathologic features in rat stomach. We measured the total antioxidant status of in concentrations from 1.56-100 mg/ml. extract inhibited indomethacin induced ulcer formation with an effect similar to a 20 mg/kg dose of the standard anti-ulcer drug, esomeprazole. All doses of extract exhibited positive effects on oxidative stress markers and histopathological features in the stomach tissue of rats. We suggest that the antioxidant activity of extract may be responsible for its gastroprotective effect and that extract may be a useful gastroprotective agent.