DOSE-DEPENDENT GASTROPROTECTIVE AND IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF Oldenlandia capitellata Kuntze LEAF EXTRACT IN AN INDOMETHACIN-INDUCED MURINE MODEL

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the dose-response correlation between Oldenlandia capitellata Kuntze leaf extract (EE-OC) and its gastroprotective effects in an indomethacin-induced murine model, with a specific focus on the relationship between extract dosage and gastric, hematological, and immunological parameters. Materials and Methods: Male Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned to six groups: normal control, indomethacin-induced model, omeprazole-treated group (20 mg/kg), and three groups receiving EE-OC at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. Treatments were administered orally for seven consecutive days. Key parameters measured included gastric pH, free and total acidity, ulcer index, red and white blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10). Pearson correlation analysis was employed to assess dose–response relationships. Results: EE-OC demonstrated dose-dependent effects, including increased gastric pH (r = +0.999, p = 0.030), reduced total acidity (r = -0.995, p = 0.047), and lower ulcer index (r = -0.993, p = 0.073), with ulcer inhibition reaching 61.1% at 300 mg/kg (p = 0.041). Hematological improvements included elevated RBC counts (r = +0.994, p = 0.069) and significantly reduced CRP levels (r = –1.000, p = 0.0077). EE-OC also downregulated IL-1β (r = -0.998, p = 0.0408) and upregulated IL-10 (r = +0.999, p = 0.0334), indicating a strong immunomodulatory effect. Conclusion: These findings confirm a dose-response correlation between EE-OC and gastroprotection, highlighting its potential as a multi-target agent acting via gastric acidity reduction and immunomodulation in NSAID-induced gastric injury.