Healing and Antisecretory Effects of Aqueous Extract ofEremomastax speciosa(Acanthaceae) on Unhealed Gastric Ulcers

Abstract

Objective This work investigated the healing and antisecretory effects of the aqueous extract of Eremomastax speciosa on “unhealed gastric ulcers” associated with gastric acid hypersecretion. Materials and Methods “Unhealed gastric ulcers” were induced using indomethacin following the establishment of acetic-acid-induced chronic gastric ulcers. The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, per os) was administered concomitantly with indomethacin (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously). The effects of the extract on both basal and histamine-stimulated gastric acid secretion were determined. Mucus secretion and oxidative stress parameters were measured, and histological assessment of ulcer healing was carried out. Results The extract significantly promoted the healing process in rats subjected to “unhealed gastric ulcers” (82.4–88.5% healing rates). Treatment with the extract significantly reduced the basal (25.95–49.51% reduction rates) and histamine-stimulated (24.25–47.41%) acid secretions. The healing effect of the extract was associated with a significant (p < 0.05) increase of mucus secretion and concentrations of antioxidant enzymes compared with the controls. The extract at the highest dose showed normalization of the mucosa, without glandular destruction and with the disappearance of fibrosis and lymphocyte infiltration. Conclusion The abilities of the extract to increase mucus secretion, to reinforce antioxidant status, and to inhibit acid secretion would be some of the mechanisms by which this extract would accelerate the healing process in “unhealed gastric ulcers.”

In-vitro Antacid Properties of Cameroonian Clay (MY41g) and its Potential Use in Anti-ulcer Triple Therapy Regimen Formulated with Eremomastax speciosa Extract

“…Spontaneous healing of simple chronic and "unhealed" gastric ulcers by ESMY was accompanied by significant increase in mucus production as previously reported with E. speciosa extract [9]. This effect could be boosted by the Aluminum silicates present in the clay component which that inhibit the corrosive action of pepsin by increasing the thickness of the mucus [41], thus establishing a pH gradient ranging from less than 3 on the luminal side of the mucus layer to more than 7 on the mucous side [42].…”

“…The aqueous extract of E. specisa has already been the subject of several scientific works bringing to light several anti ulcer properties including anti-secretory effects [9] and bactericidal effects on Helicobacter pylori [10]. MY41g clay used alone at 250 mg/kg was shown to have antacid effects in vivo on chronic and "difficult to heal" gastric ulcers models in rats [8].…”

“…The in vivo test showed that the extract/clay mixture provoked a significant dose-dependent reduction in gastric acidity. This was due to the previously demonstrated antisecretory activity of the extract component [9], in addition to the presence of bicarbonate (HCO3 -) contained in the limestone component, which combined with Na + ions to form alkaline sodium bicarbonate (NaHC03) [29]. Antacids are usually inorganic salts that dissolve in acidic gastric secretions and release anions that partially neutralize gastric hydrochloric acid.…”

“…The antacid effects in vivo of MY41g clay (250 mg/kg) on both chronic and "unhealed" gastric ulcers in rats [8] have been shown. The antisecretory properties and underlying mechanisms [9] and anti-H. pylori actions [10] of E. speciosa extract (200 mg/kg) have been demonstrated, and toxicity studies have shown that the dose of 200 mg/kg is non-toxic in acute and subacute intake [11].…”

Rosmarinic Acid Enriched Fraction fromPerilla frutescensLeaves Strongly Protects Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

“…Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H 2 receptor antagonists have been used for the prevention of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers; however, several adverse effects have been reported with prolonged PPI use [ 5 , 9 ]. Besides medical treatment, several natural products, especially from medicinal herbs with gastroprotective effects, have been intensively sought and reported [ 10 – 16 ].…”