fruit extract antiulcerogenic effect: comparative study with lansoprazole and ranitidine in rats.

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) arises from an imbalance between harmful factors like gastric acid and pepsin, and the protective mechanisms of the gastrointestinal lining, particularly the mucus-bicarbonate barrier. Standard treatments include proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole) and histamine H₂-receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine), but these can have adverse effects. , a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, has traditionally been considered to have anti-ulcer properties. This study investigated the potential of fruit extract to protect against gastric ulcers, possibly via H₂ receptor antagonism.

Aim: To evaluate the gastroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of fruit extract in a rat model of gastric ulcer.

Methods: A dose-response study was conducted using rats divided into six groups: naïve, ulcer control, and four groups treated with extract (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg). Acidified ethanol was used to induce ulcers. In another experiment, pylorus-ligated rats were used to assess the extract's effect on gastric acid secretion in response to dimaprit, a histamine analog. For efficacy comparison, rats were pretreated with , lansoprazole, or ranitidine before ulcer induction. Gastric tissues were analyzed for biochemical markers, including cytokines, mucus, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and myeloperoxidase activity.

Results: The 10 mg/kg dose was most effective in reducing gastric ulceration. The extract reduced gastric acid secretion, like H₂ blockers. It also showed stronger antioxidant activity in gastric tissues compared to lansoprazole and ranitidine. Additionally, it reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF-, IL-6), increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, TGF-β), enhanced mucus and PGE2 production, and lowered myeloperoxidase activity.

Conclusion: fruit extract at 10 mg/kg significantly protects against acid-induced gastric ulcers. Its effects are comparable to H₂ receptor blockers and include notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.