Effect of Artemisiae Argyi Folium Extract on Alcohol-Induced Gastritis

Abstract

Objective: Alcohol is known to cause inflammation in the stomach by decreasing the protective substances of the gastric mucosa and increasing oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Artemisiae Argyi Folium extract (AF) on alcohol-induced gastritis.Methods: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of AF were confirmed through an in vitro experiment. Radical scavenging activities were confirmed using DPPH and ABTS assays. In vivo experiments were conducted on mice divided into 5 groups (n=8): a normal group (Nor), an alcohol-induced gastritis group (Con), an alcohol-induced gastritis group administered 10 mg/kg sucralfate (SC), an alcohol-induced gastritis group administered 100 mg/kg AF (AFL), and an alcohol-induced gastritis group administered 200 mg/kg AF(AFH). The serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined, and protein expressions were confirmed in gastric tissues.Results: In alcohol-induced gastritis, AF alleviated damage to the gastric mucosa caused by alcohol. AF also decreased the serum ROS levels. Western blots showed that AF decreased the expression of NADPH oxidase and decreased the expression of the NF-κB pathway associated with inflammation. AF also decreased the expression of adhesion molecules and chemokine proteins, and increased the expression of anti-inflammatory proteins.Conclusions: AF not only reduced oxidative stress in alcohol-induced gastritis, but it also relieved gastric mucosal inflammation by regulating the expression of the NF-κB pathway.