Gastro-protective actions of Aloe barbadensis Miller mitigate ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of leaf extract of Aloe barbadensis on ethanolinduced gastric ulcer in rats.Methods: Healthy male Wistar rats (n = 30) weighing 180 - 220 g (mean weight = 200 ± 20 g) were randomly assigned to 6 groups (5 rats/group): control group, gastric ulcer group, two Aloe barbadensis extract groups (250 and 500 mg/kg), cimetidine group and indomethacin group. Gastric ulcer was induced via oral injection of absolute ethanol at a dose of 1 mL/kg after a 24-h fast. Gross evaluation, determination of gastric juice acidity and histological examination of gastric tissue were carried out.Results: Treatment of gastric ulcer rats with Aloe barbadensis extract significantly reduced ulcerated area (UA), ulcer index (UI), and acidity of gastric juice (p < 0.05). Injection of 1 % carrageenan into rat hind paw led to a time-dependent increase in paw volume which peaked 3 h after injection. However, the Aloe barbadensis extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced the volume of inflamed paw, and inhibited edema formation (p < 0.05). It also markedly reduced or completely eliminated edema and leucocyte infiltration. Moreover, treatment of gastric ulcer rats with Aloe barbadensis leaf extract led to significant and dose-dependent reduction in gastric tissue MDA level (p < 0.05). Histological examination of the gastric wall showed that control rats had severe injury in gastric mucosa,accompanied by edema and leucocytes infiltration, relative to rats pretreated with extract which showed marked gastric protection and inhibition of edema and leucocytes infiltration. Moreover, the extract treatment protected the gastric surface against ulceration as indicated by reduced lesions in the treated rat model.Conclusion: These results show that Aloe barbadensis mitigates ethanol-induced gastric injury in rats via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and inflammation. Thus, the extract has potentials for development into a therapeutic agent for the management of gastric ulcer.
 Keywords: Aloe barbadensis, Gastric ulcer, Gastric mucosa, Inflammation, Lipid peroxidation

Aloe vera gel confers therapeutic effect by reducing pyroptosis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer rat model: Role of NLRP3/GSDMD signaling pathway

“…Interestingly, Aloe vera showed a more potent healing effect than pantoprazole. These findings were consistent with previous studies [ 6 , 34 ]. Aloe vera ’s ability to heal wounds may be due to its content of tannins, saponins, and flavonoids as active components.…”

“…On the contrary, treatment with Aloe vera increased gastric pH significantly due to inhibition of acid secretion. These findings agreed with previous studies [ 6 , 41 ]. Aloe vera ’s inhibitory effect might be because of the existence of lectins in the plant [ 44 ].…”

“…As opposed to the ulcer group, Aloe vera alleviated oxidative stress, as evidenced by lower stomach MDA and higher gastric GSH levels. These results agreed with previous studies [ 6 , 47 ]. Aloe vera ’s powerful antioxidant effect is due to its free radical scavenging activity, reducing ability, and metal chelation [ 48 ].…”

“…Epigastric pain is a frequent symptom of GU and is worsened by meals. Hematemesis and melena may accompany it in extreme cases [ 6 ]. Disharmony between gastric aggressive factors [reactive oxygen species (ROS) and HCL] and defensive factors (mucous and antioxidants) is the primary pathophysiology of GU.…”

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“…A decrease is gastric mucosa was observed due to exposure of acid and other aggravating factors, further slowing ulcer healing. Furthermore, mucus functions as an antioxidant, which reduces the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species and lubricates gastric mucosal surface 42 . Finally gastric mucus is also essential for tissue regeneration during gastric ulcer healing; it provides a suitable pH environment for gastric epithelial cell restitution and enhances the binding of epithelial growth factor and other growth factors to their receptors 43 .…”