Gastroprotective and Mucosal Restorative Actions of Ocimum gratissimum Crude Leaf Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 14, No. 2, February 2024 | pp. 9–16

DOI: 10.46882/2024/IJMMS/140009

Original Research Article

Gastroprotective and Mucosal Restorative Actions of Ocimum gratissimum Crude Leaf Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats

Mustapha T. Gidado¹, Rose C. Obi², Elizabeth W. Wanjiku¹*

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract:

Acute alcohol consumption induces severe gastric mucosal erosions by promoting lipid peroxidation and down-regulating mucosal defensive factors. This experimental animal study examined the gastroprotective, antioxidant, and restorative potential of an ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves (EEOG) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult rats were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups: Normal Control, Ulcer Control (absolute ethanol 1.0 mL orally), Cimetidine standard control (100 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving EEOG (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for 14 consecutive days prior to ethanol administration. Gastric injuries were evaluated macroscopically via ulcer index scores, gastric wall mucus quantification, tissue lipid peroxidation assays, and histopathological analysis. Oral administration of absolute ethanol caused extensive mucosal lesions, indicated by a high ulcer index (5.24 ± 0.42) and a significant drop in gastric wall mucus (p < 0.01). Pre-treatment with EEOG (especially at 400 mg/kg) significantly attenuated this mucosal injury, reducing the mean ulcer index to 1.34 ± 0.18 (p < 0.01 vs. ulcer control) and preserving mucosal mucus content. Biochemical evaluations showed that EEOG significantly reduced gastric tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and restored glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities (p < 0.01). Histopathology confirmed these findings, showing minimal epithelial erosion and a substantial reduction in submucosal edema and leukocyte infiltration. Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract offers significant gastroprotection against ethanol-induced injuries by suppressing oxidative stress and maintaining mucosal barrier function.

Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, Gastric Ulcer, Ethanol Induction, Gastroprotection, Lipid Peroxidation, Mucosal Barrier

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 11, 2023; Revised: December 20, 2023; Accepted: January 14, 2024; Published: February 16, 2024.

Citation: Gidado MT, Obi RC, Wanjiku EW. Gastroprotective and Mucosal Restorative Actions of Ocimum gratissimum Crude Leaf Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2024, 14(2): 9–16. DOI: 10.46882/2024/IJMMS/140009

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