Gastroprotective and ulcer healing properties of ethanol extract of Alpinia conchigera rhizome in experimentally-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of Alpinia conchigera rhizome in an ulcer rat model. Method: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with ethanol extract of Alpinia conchigera at doses of 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. Ulcer index, total acidity, pH, hemoglobin levels, and hemorrhagic lesions were determined through macroscopic assessment and histopathological examination. The levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were also determined. Results: Alpinia conchigera significantly reduced ulcer index, total acidity, pH and hemoglobin levels (p < 0.05). Results from histology revealed that the extract protected the mucosa from lesions. Moreover, the extract significantly enhanced gastric mucosal activities of SOD and CAT, and decreased LPO levels and plasma concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results validate the traditional claims on the gastroprotective effects of Alpinia conchigera as revealed through its antioxidant and ulcer-healing properties by stimulation of important cellular mechanisms.