Acacia aroma hidoralcoholic leaf extract: a prophylactic effective treatment for ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats

Abstract

The pathophysiology of peptic ulcers results from an imbalance between some aggressive and defensive factors. Acacia aroma Gill ex Hook&Arn (Tusca) is a native northwestern’s Argentinian plant; it has been used traditionally to treat ulcers and wounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gastric effect of Tusca leaves hidroalcoholic extract (HAE) on an ulcer experimental model. A qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was carried out on 10% HAE (in ethanol 70º) and its antioxidant activity was also studied. Extract’s ability to bind gastric mucosa was determined too. Ethanol induced gastric ulcer model using male Wistar rats was carried out. Experimental design (n=6 animals/group) 1. Control group received 0.9% NaCl, 2. Positive control group received Sucralfate (100mg/ Kg, orally) 3. Treated group, received HAE 150mg/kg orally. Mucus content was determined by Alcian Blue method. Macroscopic (Number of ulcers, severity and percentage of ulcerated area) and microscopic (histologic and histochemical) studies of stomachs obtained from each group were carried out. The activity of catalase and the levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde were quantified in gastric homogenates. Tusca HAE showed a significant (p≤0.05) free radical scavenging activity in vitro compared to Quercetin and also had the ability to bind gastric mucosa. The animal group treated with the HAE exhibited a decrease in ulceration percentage, and an increase in mucus content compared with the untreated group. The oxidative stress parameters of Tusca treated group approached to normality. In summary, HAE is effective to protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol induced injury by binding to its surface and strengthening mucus layer. This effect is also linked to extract´s antioxidant property. Future studies will be necessary to determine the active compounds and additional mechanisms involved.