IMPROVEMENT OF INDOMETHACIN-INDUCED GASTRIC MUCOSAL DAMAGE IN MICE (Mus musculus) BY ETHANOL EXTRACT FROM Oldenlandia capitellata Kunzte. LEAVES

Abstract

Gastric ulcer is a significant public health issue worldwide and is associated with various serious complications. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) causes gastric mucosal damage and ulceration. In Vietnam, Oldenlandia capitellata K. leaves are widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastric ulcers. This study aimed to determine the effect of ethanol extract from O. capitellata (EOCK) on improving gastric mucosal damage in indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric inflammation in mice. Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups (each group consisting of 5 mice). The groups included the normal control group treated with distilled water, the gastric ulcer control group (negative control) treated with IND (45 mg/kg), the positive control group treated with omeprazole (OME) (20 mg/kg), and the experimental groups treated with different doses of EOCK (200, 250, and 300 mg/kg). Thirty minutes after the administration of distilled water, OME, and EOCK, mice were induced with acute gastric ulceration by exposure to IND. The intervention with EOCK and OME continued for 21 consecutive days. Pretreatment with EOCK reduced gastric mucosal damage, ulcer index, pH, and acid content. The clinical manifestation of gastric mucosal improvement by EOCK included a significant increase SOD, GPx, GSH, TAC, IL-10 levels, and a decrease in TNF-α, IL-1β levels. Histopathological examination showed a noticeable reduction in congestion and leukocyte infiltration in the submucosal layer. Ethanol extract from O. capitellata leaves demonstrated a protective effect on the stomach in mice with IND-induced gastric ulcers. The current study contributes to the development of rational plant-based chemical options for improving gastric mucosal damage caused by chemical agents.