Anti-ulcerogenic activity of the root bark extract of the African laburnum “Cassia sieberiana” and its effect on the anti-oxidant defence system in rats

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the widespread use of roots of Cassia sieberiana in managing several health conditions including gastric ulcer disease, there is little scientific data to support the rational phytotherapeutics as an anti-ulcer agent. This paper reports an evaluation of the in vivo anti-oxidant properties of an aqueous root bark extract of C. sieberiana in experimental gastric ulcer rats in a bid to elucidate its mechanism of action.MethodsFisher 344 (F344) rats received pretreatment of C. sieberiana root bark extract (500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg body wt.) for 7 days after which there was induction of gastric injury with absolute ethanol. The mean ulcer index (MUI) was calculated and serum total anti-oxidant level determined. Gastric mucosal tissues were prepared and the activity level of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured together with the level of lipid hydroperoxides (LPO). Statistical difference between treatment groups was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnett’s post hoc t test. Statistical significance was calculated at P< 0.05.ResultsThe administration of ethanol triggered severe acute gastric ulcer and pretreatment with C. sieberiana root bark extract significantly and dose dependently protected against this effect. The root bark extract also dose dependently and significantly inhibited the ethanol induced decrease in activity levels of the enzymes SOD, CAT and GPx. The extract also inhibited the ethanol-induced decrease in level of serum total anti-oxidant capacity. The increase in ethanol-induced LPO level and MPO activity were also significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by the root bark extract.ConclusionsThe gastro-cytoprotective effect, inhibition of decrease in activity of gastric anti-oxidant enzymes and MPO as well as the inhibition of gastric LPO level suggests that one of the anti-ulcer mechanisms of C. sieberiana is the anti-oxidant property.

Antiulcerogenic Efficacy of Ethanolic Extract of Vitis Vinifera Leaves in Rats

“…The antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) have been proposed as the key component of a cellular defense system against reactive oxygen species [72] and major biomarkers of gastric oxidative stress [73]. These antioxidant enzymes are natural protective barriers against lipid peroxidation that prevent the generation of hydroxyl radicals and protect the cellular constituents from oxidative damage [74].…”

Effect of Pharmacological Doses of Garlic and Omega 3 on Gastric Lesions Induced by Ethanol in Mice

“…In the stomach, H+ ion secretion is an oxidant-dependent process and in the presence of Cl-and H 2 O 2 , hydrochloric acid will be formed and these are very toxic oxidant that leads to mucosal lesion and lipid peroxidation, and this is the major pathogenesis of ulcer [23]. The endogenous anti-oxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione in the gastric mucus are the key components of cellular defense system against stress induced ulcer and shifting the balance toward endogenous antioxidant is the target [24]. Furthermore, elevated ROS is a critical factor in the onset and development of various gastric disorders [25].…”

Antiulcerogenic Potentials of Fermented Aqueous Extract of <i>Pentaclethra macrophylla</i> (Benth) Seeds

“…The albino wistar rats were obtained from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and were allowed to acclimatize for two (2) weeks in the Animal House of the Department of Biochemistry, Abia State University, Uturu. These animals were fed on grower mash.…”

“…Although the etiopathology of ulcers is still questionable, Odenbreit [1] and Nartey et al [2] opined that peptic ulcers are caused by an imbalance between aggressive factors (Helicobacter pylori, stomach acid and pepsin production, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ethanol, bile salts, free radicals, chronic alcohol consumption, smoking) and protective factors (mucin secretion, cellular mucus, prostaglandins, bicarbonate secretion, increased mucosal blood flow, cell turn over and impermeability to hydrogen ions), thus leading to an interruption in the mucosal integrity. Several conventional drugs have been employed over the years to arrest this "red devil" called peptic ulcers.…”

“…Several plants have been tested in the laboratory for antiulcerogenicity. Included in the pharmacopeia are extracts of the roots and barks of Cassia sieberiana in rats [2] extracts of the roots and leaves of Flabellaria paniculata Cav in rats [8], extracts of the stem of Synclisa scabrida in mice [9], extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii in both male and female wistar rats [10], extracts of Enicosanthelum pulchrum in Sprague Dowley rats [11] and extract of unripe Musa paradisiaca Linn. peel in wistar rats [6].…”