Protective effect of ethanolic leaf extract of myrianthus arboreus on indomethacin induced gastric ulcer in adult male wistar rats

Gastric ulcers are a common gastrointestinal disease with a complex etiology. It manifests with various signs and symptoms, which, in severe cases, could be life-threatening, especially in developing countries. Medicinal plants have been known to exhibit therapeutic potential with minimal adverse effects and thus have been employed in treating various diseases. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic Myrianthus arboreus leaf extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in adult male Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five rats each: group A received distilled water; group B received distilled water for 14 days, and 30 mg/kg body weight of indomethacin after 24 hours of fasting. Group C received 20 mg/kg of omeprazole for 14 days and 30 mg/kg of indomethacin after 24 hours of fasting. Groups D and E received 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of M. arboreus, respectively, for 14 days and 30 mg/kg of indomethacin each after 24 hours of fasting. The ulcer index, antioxidant parameters, gastric pH, and histopathology of the stomach were evaluated after the laboratory experiment. The results showed a significant increase in ulcer index and malondialdehyde caused by the indomethacin, while there was a reduction in glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and hydrogen ion concentration (pH), as well as extensive damage to the gastric mucosa. In contrast, both the extract and the omeprazole significantly improved these damages. The results revealed that the leaf extract of M. arboreus has a significant gastro-protective effect comparable to that of omeprazole on the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer.