The therapeutic potential of Salvia aegyptiaca extracts in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer: insights into macroscopic, histopathological, and biochemical mechanisms.

Background/aim: This study explores the antiulcer activity of different doses of Salvia aegyptiaca (SAE) methanol (ME) and decocted extracts (DE) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.

Materials and methods: Female Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were divided into five groups: control, omeprazole (positive control), and extract-treated (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Ulcers were induced with absolute ethanol 30 min after treatment with the extracts. The experiment was followed by macroscopic and histopathological examination. In vitro tests were also conducted to assess lipid peroxidation, catalase activity, mucus content, glutathione, and protein levels.

Results: The study found that 100% ethanol caused significant damage, including colour and mucus loss, petechiae, haemorrhages, and oedema. However, pretreatment with ME SAE or DE SAE at doses of all three levels reduced the ethanol-induced damage. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced signs of haemorrhagic lesions, infiltration, and oedema in rats treated with ME SAE or DE SAE at doses of 100 or 200 mg/kg, whereas the 400 mg/kg dose provided complete protection. Comparable to the use of omeprazole, ingestion of DE SAE at doses of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg demonstrated substantial protection against stomach ulcers produced by ethanol, with a range of 76%-84%. Both SAE extracts induced a dose-dependent increase in glutathione levels, with DE SAE showing a significant rise at 200 and 400 mg/kg.

Conclusion: The SAE extracts demonstrated a significant decrease in gastric lipid peroxidation, outperforming the effect of omeprazole.