Gastric Ulcer is a common ailment in Nigeria, with synthetic drug treatment becoming less effective, hence, herbal remedies are being sought. Daedalea quercina (Dq) has been shown to have significant therapeutic potential, but little is known about its anti-ulcer and blood-enhancing qualities, which is why this study was conducted.
Fifty male wistar rats (100-110g; n=5) were divided into two sets of five groups respectively for days 7 and 14 treatments. Blood samples were collected on days 7 and 14 for full blood count. Gastric ulceration was induced in the rats using indomethacin (40 mg/kg p.o) after 24 hours fast on days 8 and 15. Animals were euthanised 4 hours after ulceration, stomachs were excised and analysed for malondialdehyde, sulfhydryl, nitrite, mucin and H+K+-ATPase activity, using standard procedures while tissues from the stomach were harvested and processed for routine histology. Data were expressed as Mean ±SEM, analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and p≤ 0.05 was significant.
Haematological indicators were not significantly affected with the treatment. Significant differences were observed with nitric oxide, mucin, sulfhydryl, and hydrogen-peroxide and H+/K+-ATPase.
Daedalea quercina treatment groups demonstrated anti-ulcer and blood-boosting activities through the synergistic activities of increased nitrite and antioxidant pathways.