Antioxidant Properties and Protective Effect of Aqueous Anti-Ulcer Drug (AQAUD) against Aspirin-induced Gastric Ulcers in Albino Rats

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant properties and protective effects of aqueous anti-ulcer drug (AQAUD) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in albino rats.

Methods: In this study, 30 male albino rats were divided into 5 groups of 6 each. Rats in group I served as normal control and received food and water. Animals in group II received food and water in addition to aspirin (400 mg/kg.b.wt) orally on the 14th day. Rats in groups III, IV and V received “AQAUD” (250 mg/kg.b.wt), (500 mg/kg.b.wt) and Omeprazole (20 mg/kg.b.wt) respectively for 14 days and aspirin (400 mg/kg.b.wt) orally on the 14th day. In vitro antioxidant property of “AQAUD” was assessed by its nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging properties. The ulcer protective effect of “AQAUD” was assessed by determining the free and total acidity, ulcer index and % protection in the stomach content. The antioxidant potential in animals was evaluated by determining the concentrations of malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were assayed in the stomach homogenates to further assess antioxidant potential. Total phenolics and flavonoid compounds were quantified to know the antioxidant content. Histopathological assessment of the gastric mucosa was used to assess the protective potentials of “AQAUD”. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21.

Results: The results revealed that free acidity and ulcer indexes were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by “AQAUD”. There was a significant decrease in SOD activity of the stomach homogenates when compared to the aspirin group, with values for “AQAUD” 250 mg/kg.b.wt and “AQAUD” 500 mg/kg b.wt as 37.24±5.39ux10-2/mg protein and 23.64±2.91ux10-2/mg protein respectively. Result of acute toxicity testing showed that “AQAUD” is generally safe up to 5000 mg/kg b.wt.

Conclusion: The results revealed that treatment with aspirin caused loss of gland architecture with erosion of epithelial layer, but AQAUD treatment ameliorated the effect of aspirin administration. The study revealed that “AQAUD” has considerable antioxidant potentials and can effectively protect against gastric ulcers.