Use of as a gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory agent on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in obese rats.

BACKGROUND

Obesity leads to an elevated risk of developing gastrointestinal disease such as gastric ulcers. leaf extract has shown antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and chemoprotective effects against colon cancer. The aim of this study is to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of leaf extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in obese rats.

METHODS

Gastric ulcers were induced in female obese Wistar rats using a single oral dose of indomethacin (IND). In the first stage, the rats were fed with a high fat sugar diet (HFSD) for 15 weeks to induce obesity and, at the same time, the diet of the other group of animals included daily administration of ethanolic leaf extract (250 mg/kg) in addition to HFSD. In the second stage, gastric ulcers were induced with IND (30 mg/kg). The gastroprotective activity of , the inflammatory enzyme activities, and cytokines in the stomach were determined.

RESULTS

produced a reduction of gastric lesions caused by IND. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activities also decreased. Although inflammatory biomarkers such as TNFα, IL-6, AOPP, and leptin were significantly decreased by , adiponectin levels increased. Moreover, decreased weight gain and morphological and biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

The use of indomethacin in rats fed with a high fat-sugar diet increased gastric ulcers. Gastroprotective effect of in obese rats is attributed to the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the inflammatory enzymes.