Gastroprotective effects of aqueous extract of Chamomilla recutita against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers

Objectives: To investigate the gastroprotective effects of an orally administered aqueous extract of Chamomilla recutita (ACE) against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in male Wistar rats. Methods: This study was performed during January and February 2009, in the Research Labs in the Department of Physiology at the Medical School, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sixty white albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1 (control group) was treated with deionized water for 28 days; animals in group 2 to group 5 received zero, 0.5, 1, or 2 gm/kg ACE for 27 days. Stomach ulcerations were induced by orally administering a single dose of 70% ethanol on day 28. Lesions in the gastric mucosa were examined macroscopically to calculate the ulcer index (UI) and estimated glutathione (GSH) for each animal. Results: Compared to non-ACE treated rats, the UI decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner in treated animals. Furthermore, GSH levels fell significantly after ethanol treatment; this decrease was prevented by ACE treatment. However, daily treatment of rats with the maximum ACE dose actually led to an increase in GSH levels. Histological examination revealed that ACE treatment alleviated, or completely resolved ethanol-induced degenerative alterations, including disorganization of cell nuclei and gland morphology with erosion in the gastric mucosa and interrupted muscularis mucosa. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the regulation of ACE-mediated gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulceration by GSH. Saudi Med J 2010; Vol. 31 (11): 1211-1216