Anti-Ulcer Activity of Methanolic Fruit Pericarp Extract of Thespesia garckeana in Gastric Ulcer induced Models in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a major gastrointestinal disorder worldwide and is frequently associated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aims: This study evaluated the anti-ulcer activity of methanolic fruit pericarp extract of Thespesia garckeana in acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)- and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer models in male Wistar rats. Study Design: Experimental animal study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Biological Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria, using experimental protocols approved by the Health Research Ethics Committee of Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. Methodology: Eighty male Wistar rats were divided into two ulcer-induction models: ASA-induced and ethanol-induced gastric ulcer groups. Animals were pretreated with normal saline, standard anti-ulcer drugs (rabeprazole, cimetidine, omeprazole and magnesium trisilicate), or methanolic fruit pericarp extract of Thespesia garckeana at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight before ulcer induction. Ulcer scores, ulcer indices, percentage ulcer inhibition and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: The methanolic extract demonstrated gastroprotective activity in both ulcer models. In the ASA-induced ulcer model, the 200 mg/kg dose produced the highest ulcer inhibition (99.4%), which was comparable to rabeprazole (98.8%). In the ethanol-induced ulcer model, the same dose achieved 66.5% ulcer inhibition, approaching the activities of omeprazole and rabeprazole. Gross macroscopic examination of the gastric mucosa revealed fewer lesions, suggesting preservation of gastric mucosal architecture, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and attenuation of mucosal damage in treated animals. A non-linear dose-response pattern was observed, with 200 mg/kg showing greater activity than 100 and 400 mg/kg. Conclusion: Methanolic fruit pericarp extract of Thespesia garckeana showed anti-ulcer and gastroprotective activities against ASA- and ethanol-induced gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats. The observed effects may be associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective and mucosal protective properties of its phytochemical constituents. These findings support further pharmacological investigation of the plant in relation to gastric mucosal protection.