Gastroprotective Effects of Methanolic Leaves and Stem Extracts of Sphagneticola trilobata on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Abstract

The medicinal plant Sphagneticola trilobata native to South America is used in local folk medicine to treat inflammation and analgesics. In present study, gastroprotective effects of methanolic extracts of S. trilobata leaves and stem were investigated in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats at doses of 200 mg/kg for leave extract and 350 mg/kg for stem extract. Indomethacin produced stomach ulcers and increased neutrophil percentage and MDA levels compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Co-administration of indomethacin and omeprazole, methanolic extracts of leaves (200 mg/kg) (p < 0.001) and methanolic extracts (350 mg/kg) (p < 0.05) of stem compared to indomethacin group to ulcers was low (p < 0.001). Methanolic extracts (200 mg/kg) of leaves and methanolic extracts (350 mg/kg) of stem reduced MDA levels (p < 0.001). Methanolic extracts (200 mg/kg) of leaves and methanolic extracts (350 mg/kg) of the stem significantly decreased neutrophil percentage compared to indomethacin group (p < 0.001). The results suggest that the methanolic extracts of Sphagneticola trilobata leaves and stem have a protective effect on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.