Antiulcer activity of cod liver oil in rats

Protective role of cod liver oil on hippocampal oxidative damage and neuronal count in Wistar rat model of comorbid depression

Background

Proper nutrition and balanced diet have a profound influence on mental well-being. Nutritional psychiatry plays an important role in influencing a healthy mind and body. The animal model of chronic unpredictable stress has been considered the effective model to explore research on anxiety and depression.

Aim

The present study aimed to explore the protective role of cod liver oil on various biochemical and neuronal analyses in the hippocampus tissue of the Wistar rat model of comorbid depression.

Methods

Healthy adult albino rats of Wistar strain weighing (120-160 g) were divided into control groups and experimental groups. These groups were further categorized into various subgroups based on stress exposure, cod liver oil, and antidepressant treatment. Six animals were taken in each group. The duration of stress exposure was for 15 days. After the experimentation procedure, the animals were anesthetized and hippocampus was dissected for the estimations of various biochemical and neurological parameters.

Results

The combination of cod liver oil with the antidepressant significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the lipid peroxidation level. Total antioxidant (TAO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the hippocampus. Treatment of cod liver oil during the stress exposure increased (p < 0.001) the neuronal count.

Conclusion

Cod liver oil proved to be an effective antidepressant agent by increasing the antioxidants and promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Antisecretory and antioxidative effects of the antidepressants fluvoxamine and mirtazapine on water immersion stress and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats

OBJECTIVES

Although there are numerous drugs available for the treatment of gastric ulcers (GU), these drugs are not always effective. Antidepressant medications have been used for a variety of non-psychiatric indications, including antiulcer activity in various ulcer models. The purpose of this study was to compare the antiulcer effects of fluvoxamine and mirtazapine in two rat GU experimental models and to determine their relationship to antioxidant and antisecretory mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antiulcer activities of various doses of fluvoxamine and mirtazapine on water immersion restraint stress (WIRS) and pyloric ligation-induced GU in rats have been studied against the positive control antiulcer drug famotidine. Various oxidative stress markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fluvoxamine and mirtazapine significantly protected against WIRS and pyloric ligation-induced gastric lesions, as evidenced by a dose-dependent decrease in ulcer index, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, lipid peroxidation, and an increase in prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide (NO), and reduced glutathione levels, as well as increased antioxidant enzyme activity. In the pyloric ligation model, fluvoxamine and mirtazapine improved GU more than famotidine. Furthermore, a 30 mg/kg dose of mirtazapine significantly improves both NO levels and MPO activity compared to famotidine.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlighted the relationship in correlating the antiulcer effect of drugs from different antidepressant classes across two animal GU models, implying that antidepressants that affected both norepinephrine and serotonin levels (mirtazapine) had a more potent antiulcer effect in WIRS-induced gastric model than drugs that only affected serotonin levels (fluvoxamine).

The protective efficacy of vitamin E and cod liver oil against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against neoplasms, but its clinical utility is limited due to the side effects of its dose-dependent nephrotoxicity. Vitamin E (Vit E) and cod liver oil (CLO) are natural substances with chemoprotective effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of Vit E and/or CLO for CP-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. This study involved 40 mature male Wistar albino rats that were equally allocated into eight groups: Veh, Vit E, CLO, Vit E + CLO, CP, Vit E + CP, CLO + CP, and Vit E + CLO + CP. The co-administration of Vit E and CLO significantly ameliorated CP-induced elevations in serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin- 6 (IL-6). Further, rats that received Vit E and/or CLO showed significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels in renal tissues, compared to CP-intoxicated rats. Additionally, the treatment restored the normal histological architecture (except for few cast formations) and upregulated the immunostaining area% of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and downregulated the immunostaining area% of Bcl2 associated X protein (BAX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The observed effects were stronger in the combination treatment group. The obtained data revealed that Vit E and CLO co-administration protects against the CP-induced AKI more than monotherapy with Vit E or CLO.

Improvement of gastroprotective and anti-ulcer effect of kenaf seed oil-in-water nanoemulsions in rats

Kenaf seed oil-in-water nanoemulsions (KSON) and kenaf seed oil-in-water macroemulsions were produced to access their gastroprotective effect against indomethacin- and ethanol-induced ulcers in comparison with non-emulsified kenaf seed oil (KSO). Emulsifier mixture (EM) that used to emulsify KSO was also included in the study. Ulcer index, stomach tissue oxidative status, and histopathological changes in indomethacin-induced and ethanol-induced ulcer models were both evaluated. KSON had demonstrated good gastroprotective effect against both ulcer models than non-emulsified KSO and KSOM. In addition, the gastroprotective effect of KSON was comparable to the standard drug, Omeprazole. EM also exhibited gastroprotective effect, especially in indomethacin-induced ulcers. This may be attributed to its high antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effect of sodium caseinate contained in the EM. Results supported that KSON enhanced the bioavailability of native KSO; therefore it offers gastroprotective effect for the prevention of gastric ulceration as a natural alternative to the synthetic drug.

Gastroprotective and Ulcer Healing Effects of Camel Milk and Urine in HCl/EtOH, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (Indomethacin), and Water-Restraint Stress-induced Ulcer in Rats

Background:

Camel milk has been reportedly used to treat dropsy, jaundice, tuberculosis, and diabetes while camel urine is used to treat diarrhea and cancer. However, there is no scientific evidence on the antiulcer activity of camel milk and urine. Thus, the present is designed to investigate the gastroprotective and ulcer healing effect of camel milk and urine on experimentally induced gastric ulcer models in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The gastroprotective effect was investigated in HCl/EtOH, water-restraint stress (WRS) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (indomethacin)-induced ulcer models while ulcer healing activity was investigated in indomethacin-induced ulcer model. Cimetidine (100 mg/kg) was used as a standard antiulcer drug.

Results:

Acute toxicity study done up to a dosage of 10 ml/kg of camel milk and urine showed no signs of toxicity and mortality among the rats, indicating the present dosage of 5 ml/kg is safe to be administered to the rats. In the HCl/EtOH model, oral administration of cimetidine (100 mg/kg), camel urine (5 ml/kg), and camel milk (5 ml/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited gastric lesions by 83.7, 60.5 and 100%, respectively. In the WRS-induced model, cimetidine, and camel urine showed an ulcer inhibition of 100% while camel milk showed an inhibition of 50%. Similarly, in the indomethacin-induced ulcer model, cimetidine, camel milk, and urine showed an ulcer inhibition of 100, 33.3, and 66.7%, respectively. In addition, camel milk and urine also showed a significant (P < 0.05) ulcer healing effect of 100% in indomethacin-induced ulcer model, with no ulcers observed as compared to that of cimetidine, which offers a healing effect of 60.5%.

Conclusion:

The antiulcer activity of camel milk and urine may be attributed to its cytoprotective mechanism and antioxidant properties.

SUMMARY

Acute toxicity findings revealed the dosage of 10 ml/kg of camel milk and urine seems no toxic and indicating the dosage of 5 ml/kg is safe to be administered to the rats

Oral administration of cimetidine (100 mg/kg), camel urine (5 ml/kg), and camel milk (5 ml/kg) significantly inhibited gastric lesions by 83.7, 60.5 and 100% in the HCl/EtOH experimental model

The results of this investigation have proven that camel milk and urine showed strong ulcer healing effect in indomethacin-induced gastric damage.

Abbreviations used: NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, UI: Ulcer index, ANOVA: One-way analysis of variance, WRS: Water-restraint stress, ROS: Reactive oxygen species

Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Salvadora indica (W.) Leaves on Albino Rats

BACKGROUND

Ulcer can be developed inside the inner lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the small intestine (duodenal ulcer). Both the ulcers are also cumulatively referred as peptic ulcers. It affects nearly 10% of world population.

AIM

To investigate the antiulcer activity of ethanolic extract of Salvadora indica W. leaves (ESIL) on albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was carried by pylorus ligation, ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer models in albino rats. The antiulcer activity of ESIL (150, 300 and 600 mg/kg p.o. for 7 days) was compared with standard drugs (Ranitidine). In pyloric ligation induced ulcer model, the studied parameters were gastric volume, pH, total acidity, free acidity, and ulcer index whereas in ethanol and cysteamine induced ulcer model, the ulcer index was determined for severity of ulcers. The parameters studied were ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, free acidity and total acidity.

RESULTS

In pyloric ligation model; the volume of gastric content, total/free acidity and pepsin activity was significantly decreased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 and pH of the gastric juice was significantly increased at p<0.05 and p<0.01 in ESIL treated groups as compared to control group. All the doses of ESIL showed dose dependent antiulcer effect as well as significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) reduction in the ulcer index as compared to control group in all the experimental models.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that the ESIL have better potential against ulcer which supports the traditional claims in folklore medicine.

Emu oil offers protection in Crohn's disease model in rats

Background

Emu oil is a product of animal origin used for the treatment of inflammation, burns etc. as a part of aboriginal medicine in Australia. Crohn’s disease is a common inflammatory manifestation in humans and other animal species relating to the ulceration and digestive disturbances in upper gastro-intestinal tract. Aloe vera is commonly used substance from plant sources for inflammation, wound healing and various other properties. Given the difference in the source of the substances all the while playing a similar therapeutic role in different parts of the world, the present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of aloe vera and emu oil alone and in combination; in comparison to sulfasalazine (Allopathic drug) as an alternative for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.

Methods

Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups with two sub-groups of six animals each. After pre-treating the animals with sulfasalazine, aloe vera, emu oil and their combination for five consecutive days, the animals were sub-cutaneously administered indomethacin on 4^th and 5^th day and each sub-group was sacrificed on day 6 and 9. After sacrifice, serum and intestine of these animals was collected. Intestine length from duodenum till caecum was measured for estimating relative organ weight and disease activity index. Part of intestine was preserved in formalin for histopathology while the rest was used for analysis of oxidative parameters and myeloperoxidase. Serum collected was used for measuring alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol.

Results

Assessment of the parameters in treatment groups indicated that the combination of aloe vera and emu oil resulted in better protection by suppressing the oxidative (P < 0.05) and histomorphological changes indicating a enhanced effect of these two agents which was found to be better than sulfasalazine.

Conclusion

The combination of emu oil and aloe vera exhibited enhanced effect resulting in significant protection from indomethacin induced ulceration. This might be due to the different mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects (Salicylic acid in aloe vera and n3, n6 fatty acids acting as pseudosubstrates to cyclooxygenase enzyme) of components of the animal and plant products tested.

Assessment of Antisecretory, Gastroprotective, and In-vitro Antacid Potential of Daucus carota in Experimental Rats

Objectives

In Indo China, carrots have been reported to regulate the functions of the stomach and intestines. The objective of the present investigation was to unravel the therapeutic potential of 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (EDC) on antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid capacity using experimental rats.

Methods

Assessment of EDC antisecretory and in vivo antacid capacities was carried out using a pyloric ligation induced ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect was assessed with an absolute ethanol induced ulcer model. The integrity of gastric mucosa was evaluated using the estimation of glutathione and gastric mucus level and with histopathological examination of gastric mucosal cells. The in-vitro antacid capacity was evaluated using a titration method. The effect of the extract on the liver was assessed by measuring serum biochemical parameters.

Results

The EDC significantly (p < 0.01–0.001) reduced gastric lesions in both models. Furthermore, the EDC also significantly (p < 0.05–0.001) reduced the volume of gastric content whereas the total acidity was significantly (p < 0.05–0.001) reduced with the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg EDC. Moreover, the mucus content and glutathione level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the absolute alcohol-induced ulcer. The EDC also showed in-vitro antacid capacity. Histopathological studies further confirmed the potential of EDC by inhibiting congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis in gastric mucosa.

Conclusion

The EDC exerted antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid potential. These activities could be attributed due to the presence of glycosides, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids.

Gastroprotective and ulcer healing effects of Piptadeniastrum Africanum on experimentally induced gastric ulcers in rats

BACKGROUND

Gastric peptic ulcer is one of the common disorders of gastrointestinal tract, which occur due to an imbalance between the offensive and defensive factors. It is an illness that affects a considerable number of people worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcerogenic and antiulcer effects and recognize the basic mechanism of action of Piptadeniastrum africanum stem bark extracts.

METHODS

The aqueous and methanol extracts of Piptadeniastrum africanum were administered at the doses 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg to evaluate their effects on gastric ulcer induced by the HCl/ethanol mixture, indomethacin and acetic acid in Wistar strain male adult rats, aged between 12 and 16 weeks and weighing between 180 and 220 g. Ranitidine, Maalox and Misoprostol were used as standard drugs. Histopathological examination and nitric oxide level were performed to evaluate the basic mechanism of action of Piptadeniastrum africanum. Phytochemical screening was carried out to identify known phytochemicals present in these extracts.

RESULTS

The aqueous and methanol extracts of stem bark of Piptadeniastrum africanum significantly inhibited (p < 0.01) gastric ulceration induced by HCl/ethanol to the percentages of inhibition of 81.38; 98.75 and 100 % for the aqueous extract and then 75.83, 89.76 and 96.52 % for the methanol extract, and with the Indomethacin-induced ulcers, aqueous and methanol extracts of bark of Piptadeniastrum africanum reduce significantly (p < 0.01) induced gastric lesions in rats, with percentage of cure 35.75; 52.33 and 98.58 % for the aqueous extract, and 33.7; 51.97; and 65.93 to the methanol extract. The results revealed a significant reduction of ulcerated surface in both extracts and increase of nitric oxide (NO) level with methanol extract. When compared to methanol extract, aqueous extract showed more pronounced effects, corresponding to percentages of healing of 59. 92; 84.12 and 59.65 % for the aqueous extract; and 70.43; 55.49 and 57.59 % for the methanol extract in the ulcer induced by acetic acid, all at the respective doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. Histopathological observations also demonstrated curative effect. As such, both extracts were found to exhibit preventive and curative effects through the release of NO and growth factors. This could also be due to the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and saponins which act as antisecretory agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Piptadeniastrum africanum stem bark extracts thus have gastroprotective and ulcer healing effects, which could result from their activities by stimulating important cellular mechanisms such as migration and proliferation of epithelial cells that may have a cytoprotective effect by stimulating the release of prostaglandins. These results are required to confirm the ethnopharmacological use of Piptadeniastrum africanum stem bark in the treatment of ulcer.

Hepatoprotective effects of cod liver oil against sodium nitrite toxicity in rats

CONTEXT

Exposure to high levels of nitrites for a prolonged time have adverse health effects on several organs especially the liver due to oxidative properties. Meanwhile, cod liver oil has been reported to ameliorate organ dysfunction in animal models that involve oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

Examine the impact of dietary cod liver oil on sodium nitrite-induced liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawely rats were daily treated with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg) in presence or absence of cod liver oil (5 ml/kg). Morphological changes were assessed in liver sections. Oxidative stress and antioxidant markers were measured in serum and liver homogenates. Liver samples were used for measurements of MCP-1, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial function.

RESULTS

The hepatoprotective effect of cod liver oil was proved by significant reduction of elevated liver enzymes and normal appearance of hepatocytes. Cod liver oil significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion (224.3 ± 18.9 nmol/g, 59.3 ± 5.1 and 62.5 ± 5.1 µmol/g, respectively) compared with sodium nitrite (332.5 ± 25.5 nmol/g, 83.1 ± 8.1 and 93.9 ± 6.5 µmol/g, respectively). Cod liver oil restored hepatic cytochrome c oxidase activity after 38% reduction by sodium nitrite. Furthermore, cod liver oil significantly reduced hepatic MCP-1 (79.8 pg/mg) and DNA fragmentation (13.8%) compared with sodium nitrite (168.7 pg/mg and 41.3%, respectively).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Cod liver oil ameliorates sodium nitrite induced hepatic impairment through several mechanisms including attenuation of oxidative stress, blocking MCP-1, reactivation of mitochondrial function and reduction of DNA fragmentation.

Prostaglandin analogous and antioxidant activity mediated gastroprotective action of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br. flower methanolic extract against chemically induced gastric ulcers in rats

The present study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effect and recognize the basic mechanism of action of Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R. Br. flowers. T. divaricata flower methanolic extract (TDFME) was screened for antiulcer activity versus aspirin and ethanol induced gastric ulcers at three doses—125, 250, and 500 mg/kg—orally using misoprostol as a standard. Besides histopathological examination, seven parameters, that is, ulcer index, total protein, nonprotein sulphhydryls, mucin, catalase, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase levels, were estimated. In addition to HPLC profiling, GC-MS analysis and electrospray ionization—high resolution mass spectral (ESI-HRMS) analysis of crude TDFME were carried out in an attempt to identify known phytochemicals present in the extract on the basis of m/z value. The results revealed a significant increase in the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, mucin, and nonprotein sulphhydryls, while they revealed a reduction in ulcer index, the levels of total protein, and malondialdehyde. Histopathological observations also demonstrated the protective effect. Though all the doses of TDFME exhibited gastroprotective function, higher doses were found to be more effective. Mass spectral analysis gave a few characteristic m/z values suggesting the presence of a few known indole alkaloids, while HPLC profiling highlighted the complexity of the extract. TDFME was found to exhibit its gastroprotective effect through antioxidant mechanism and by enhancing the production of gastric mucous.

Methanol extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaf possesses anti-ulcer activity

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-ulcer activity of a methanol extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaf (MEBP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MEBP was administered at doses of 100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg and its effects on acute toxicity, absolute ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration, and pyloric ligation tests in rats were investigated.

RESULTS

At a dose of 5,000 mg/kg, MEBP did not cause any signs of toxicity in rats when given orally. Oral administration of MEBP exerted anti-ulcer activity (p < 0.05) in all models tested. However, a dose-dependent protection was observed only in the indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration model. Histological studies supported the observed anti-ulcer activity of MEBP. In the pyloric ligation assay, MEBP significantly increased gastric wall mucus secretion (p < 0.05), but did not affect the acidity of the gastric contents.

CONCLUSION

MEBP exhibited anti-ulcer activity, which could be due to the presence of flavonoids, saponins or other polyphenols, thereby validating the traditional use of B. purpurea in the treatment of ulcers.

In vivo antiulcer activity of the aqueous extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaf

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bauhinia purpurea (Fabaceae) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various ailments, including ulcers. In order to establish pharmacological properties of the leaf of Bauhinia purpurea, studies were performed on antiulcer activity of the plant's aqueous extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Bauhinia purpurea aqueous extract (BPAE) was prepared in the doses of 100, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg. Antiulcer activity of BPAE was evaluated by absolute ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer, and pyloric ligation models. Acute toxicity was also carried out.

RESULTS

BPAE, at the dose of 5,000 mg/kg, did not cause any signs of toxicity to rats when given orally. Oral administration of BPAE exhibited antiulcer activity (p<0.05) in all models used. However, the dose-dependent activity was observed only in the absolute ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model. Histological studies supported the observed antiulcer activity of BPAE. In pyloric ligation assay, BPAE increased the gastric wall mucus secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPAE exhibits antiulcer activity, which could be due to the presence of saponins or sugar-free polyphenols, and, thus, confirmed the traditional uses of Bauhinia purpurea in the treatment of ulcers.

Antiulcerogenic activity of Lantana camara leaves on gastric and duodenal ulcers in experimental rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae), a widely growing shrub has been used in the traditional medicine for treating many ailments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of methanolic extract of Lantana camara leaves on gastric and duodenal ulcers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antiulcerogenic effect of methanolic extract of Lantana camara was evaluated in aspirin induced gastric ulcerogenesis in pyloric ligated rats, ethanol induced gastric ulcer, and cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer models. The extract was administered orally at two different doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione levels of ethanol induced gastric ulcer model and inhibition zone in diameter against Helicobacter pylori also determined.

RESULTS

The L. camara extract significantly (P<0.01) reduced ulcer index, total acidity and significantly (P<0.01) increased the gastric pH of aspirin+pylorus-ligation induced ulcerogenesis and ethanol induced gastric ulcer models. The extract also significantly (P<0.01) reduced the ulcer index of cysteamine induced duodenal ulcer. The L. camara showed significant (P<0.01) reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in reduced glutathione levels. The inhibition zone in diameter of extract against H. pylori was 20mm.

CONCLUSION

The methanolic extract of Lantana camara leaves shown healing of gastric ulcers and also prevents development of duodenal ulcers in rats.