Gastroprotective Effects of Pear (Pyrus Communis L.) Extract on Ethanol Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Abstract

Various natural molecules have been examined against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer up to present. Pear, Pyrus communis L. (PYR), includes various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. Current study was planned to find out potential preventive properties of PYR extract against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats. 32 rats were assigned to 4 groups (n=8). Group I was sham, group II was ulcer group. Groups III and IV were 4 and 8 ml/kg PYR groups. Group I, normal saline was administered and group II, III and IV were administered ethanol (5 ml/kg) by oral gavage to rats. Phenolic substances in PYR content were detected via high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). CUPRAC, ABTS and FCR amounts of PYR extract were determined. Gastric tissue was evaluated through macroscopic and immunohistochemical methods. NF-kB and caspase-3 expressions increased in ulcer group but PYR treatment reversed these levels. PYR extract performed protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer by decreasing NF-kB and caspase-3 expressions and preventing gastric mucosal injury. As a result, PYR extract has been shown to have a strong therapeutic effect against gastric ulcer. Therefore, we propose PYR as a potential antiulcer drug.