Ameliorative effects of ethanol extract of <i>Syzygium aromaticum</i> (clove) on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in albino rats

Abstract

Impaired gastroprotection and increased gastric acid secretion has been attributed to decrease prostaglandin level which are important events in the etiology of mucosal ulceration. The study evaluated the ameliorative effect of ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Forty five male albino rats of mean weight (105 ± 0.71 g) were used in this study. Rats were grouped into five groups having six rats per group. Gastric ulcer was induced with indomethacin (40 mg/kg body weight).Group 1 received feed and water only. Group 2 was the negative control induced with indomethacin without treatment. Group 3 received standard drug (omeprazole 20 mg/kg body weight). Group 4 and 5 were administered 100 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively. Treatment was carried out once daily for 21 days prior to ulcer induction. Gastric secretions, antioxidant parameters and histopathological defects were evaluated. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in ulcer indices; gastric volume, acidity, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in the negative control against the test group that received 100 mg kg of the S. aromaticum ethanol extract. Also, significant decrease (p<0.05) of these parameters were observed between the negative control and the positive control. Decrease in the ulcer indices were recorded in the group 3 compared with Groups 4 and 5. The protective effect of the S. aromaticum extract was buttressed by degree of percentage inhibition against ulceration. It is therefore; evident that the ethanol extracts of the plant can ameliorate indomethacin induced gastric ulceration.