Histological study on the effect of açai berry extract in the treatment of fundic mucosal injury in adult male albino rat

Abstract

Background Gastric injury is a worldwide medical problem. It is caused by many factors. Açai berry is a fruit with many potential medical properties that gained much international interest. Aim To evaluate the possible role of açai berry extract in the treatment of fundic mucosal injury in adult male albino rats. Materials and methods This work was done on 40 adult male albino rats that were divided into; group I (control) (10 rats), group II (10 rats) which were given açai berry extract orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg once per day for 14 days, group III (10 rats) which were given a single dose of diclofenac orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg for induction of gastric injury, and group IV (10 rats) that were given single oral dose of diclofenac then received açai berry extract for 14 days. Specimens from the fundus were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Results Group III showed exfoliation of surface epithelial cells and gastric glands, infiltration of lamina propria with inflammatory cells, and congestion of the blood vessels. Cytoplasmic vacuolations were detected in different cells. Group IV revealed improved changes that were detected in group III. Conclusion Açai berry extract is effective in the treatment of gastric injury.