Effect of Date (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) on Stimulated Gastric Acid Secretion in Wistar rats

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), encompassing gastric and duodenal ulcers is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. The pathophysiology of PUD involves an imbalance between offensive factors like acid, pepsin and defensive factors such as nitric oxide and growth factors. The clinical evaluation of antiulcer drugs showed tolerance, incidence of relapses and side effects that make their efficacy arguable. Local folklore claims showed that Date (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) has a gastric beneficial role in humans. This study was therefore carried out to examine the effects of Dates on stimulated gastric acid secretion (GAS) in the Wister rats. Materials/Methods: Three groups of rats consisting of 5 rats (180- 200g) each were treated with aqueous undialyzed extract of Dates (1.5mg/kg, 2.5mg/kg and 4.0mg/kg) orally for 21 days, while the fourth group were given distilled water for the same number of days. At the last day of the treatment, the rats were fasted for 24 hours, anaesthetized with ketamine. GAS (mEq/l) induced by histamine, carbachol and pentagastrin administration was assessed by continuous perfusion technique. Data were analyzed using student's T-test and ANOVA at p≤ 0.05. Results: The aqueous extract of undialyzed Dates significantly decreased (p≤ 0.05) GAS induced by the histamine, carbachol and pentagastrin in a dose-dependent manner over 80 minutes period in all the treated groups. Conclusion: Date extract exhibited a graded dose-dependent decrease in gastric acid secretion. Keywords: Date, Gastric, Pentagastrin, Histamine and Carbachol