Gastrointestinal protective effect of dietary spices during ethanol-induced oxidant stress in experimental rats

Abstract

Spices are traditionally known to have digestive stimulant action and to cure digestive disorders. In this study, the protective effect of dietary spices with respect to activities of antioxidant enzymes in gastric and intestinal mucosa was examined. Groups of Wistar rats were fed for 8 weeks with diets containing black pepper (0.5%), piperine (0.02%), red pepper (3.0%), capsaicin (0.01%), and ginger (0.05%). All these spices significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase--in both gastric and intestinal mucosa, suggesting a gastrointestinal protective role for these spices. In a separate study, these dietary spices were found to alleviate the diminished activities of antioxidant enzymes in gastric and intestinal mucosa under conditions of ethanol-induced oxidative stress. The gastroprotective effect of the spices was also reflected in their positive effect on mucosal glycoproteins, thereby lowering mucosal injury. The amelioration of the ethanol-induced decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in gastric and intestinal mucosa by dietary spices suggests their beneficial gastrointestinal protective role. This is the first report on the gastrointestinal protective potential of dietary spices.

A Prospective Study of Alcohol Consumption and Smoking and the Risk of Major Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Men

“…[46] Finally, certain foods and food components particularly those high in anti-oxidant properties also have been shown to protect against ethanol-induced injury. [47–49] In addition, the ingestion of food with alcohol slows the rate of alcohol absorption and decreases blood alcohol concentrations. [50] Therefore, food may modify the risk of bleeding associated with alcohol through systemic mechanisms.…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Decreasing Salivary Gland Damage following Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

“…The principal component zingiberene is a sesquiterpene with a single ring [22] that promotes gastrointestinal mucosal protective mechanisms and salivary gland secretion. These processes regulate gastrointestinal function and have antiemetic effects [23, 24]. Zingipain is a proteolytic enzyme that assists in digestion and absorption [25], and zingerone and shogaol promote the secretion of gastric acid and regulate digestion and absorption, which initiates the activity of organs and increases appetite [24].…”

Formulation and evaluation of oil entrapped floating beads of Piperine for peptic ulcers

“…From previous studies, spices are known to have digestive stimulant actions and thus may be helpful in treating the digestive disorders. [1,2] Piperine, the most common spice of Indian kitchen, has previously been shown to have the anti ulcer activity. [3,4,5] Piperine was found to be effective for gastric ulcers in rats and mice at a dose range of 25 to 100 mg/kg.…”