Assessment of the Gastroprotective Potential of Alcoholic Extract of Zanthoxylum armatum in Rats
Keywords:
Zanthoxylum armatum, antiulcer activity, gastric ulcer, pylorus ligation, ethanol induced ulcer, indomethacin, gastroprotectionAbstract
This study investigates the antiulcer potential of
alcoholic extract of Zanthoxylum armatum (AEZA)
in rat models. Zanthoxylum armatum (family
Rutaceae), traditionally used in the treatment of
various gastrointestinal disorders, was evaluated for
its gastroprotective effects using established ulcer
induction methods: ethanol-induced, pylorus
ligation-induced, and indomethacin-induced ulcer
models. Ranitidine (50 mg/kg) served as the
standard drug while AEZA was administered at
doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. The extract
significantly reduced ulcer indices across all models
in a dose-dependent manner. At 400 mg/kg, AEZA
demonstrated 72.6%, 68.3%, and 70.1% ulcer
inhibition in ethanol, pylorus ligation, and
indomethacin models, respectively. Biochemical
analysis revealed that the extract significantly
increased gastric mucus secretion, reduced gastric
volume, and normalized pH values. Additionally,
AEZA treatment significantly decreased pepsin
activity and acid output, while elevating mucin
levels. Histopathological examinations confirmed
reduced mucosal damage and preservation of gastric
mucosal architecture in AEZA-treated rats. The
findings establish strong evidence for the significant
gastroprotective effects of Z. armatum, supporting
its traditional use in gastric disorders. The antiulcer
activity appears to be mediated through multiple
mechanisms including antioxidant activity, mucosal
strengthening, and modulation of gastric secretory
parameters.
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