The gastroprotective effect of ethyl acetate fraction of hot water extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn and its underlying mechanisms

Abstract

BackgroundAntacids, anticholinergic drugs, histamine H2- receptor antagonists and irreversible proton pump inhibitors have been used for the treatment of gastric ulcers. However, prolonged use of these drugs may lead to series of adverse effects such as diarrhea, headache, rash, hypertension, muscular and joint pain. Therefore, there is an urgent need of more effective and safer treatments with fewer side effects. The aim of the present study was to scientifically evaluate the gastroprotective activity of fractions of the hot water extract of Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn (Family: Cucurbitaceae) aerial parts with a view to identifying the fraction with the best gastroprotective activity and the possible mechanism/s by which this fraction exert gastroprotection.MethodsGastroprotective activity of hexane fraction (HF), ethyl acetate fraction (EF), butanol fraction (BF) and aqueous fraction (AF) were evaluated by the assessment of ability to reduce the ulcer index in ethanol-induced rat model and the mode of action by which the most active fraction mediating gastroprotection.ResultsEF showed the maximum gastroprotection effect followed by BF and AF. EF (75 mg/kg) exhibited significantly higher gastroprotection compared to the reference drugs. Further investigations with two lower doses of EF confirmed that EF can mediated a significant and dose dependent gastroprotection. The rats treated with the EF showed significant reduction in free acidity (45%), total acidity (by 48%) in the gastric juice, increased the amount of mucus produced by the rat gastro mucosa and potent antihistamine activity (by 25.6%). EF was also rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids.ConclusionGastroprotective mechanism of EF is possibly involves inhibition of acidity, elevation in mucus content, inhibition of histamine and antioxidant mechanisms.

A Comparative Analytical Study on Two Types of Sharibadi Decoctions: An Ayurveda Preparation

“…In brief, 20 g from each Sharibadi decoction A and B were taken into separate round bottoms and refluxed with distilled water (100°C) for 4 h and filtered. Each filtrate was subjected to phytochemical screening using standard protocols [5,6] with some modifications.…”

Gastroprotective Mechanisms

“…Therefore, it is necessary to know the gastroprotective mechanisms which are essential to the development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of GU. In general, gastroprotective mechanisms are mucus layer, gastric epithelium, gastric blood flow, mucosal repair capacity, gastric neurons, and immune system [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Therefore, the aim of this research was to discuss the gastroprotective mechanisms in the stomach and update the existing knowledge on the subject.…”