Gastroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Zingiber officinale Extract against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Rats

International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 3, March 2022 | pp. 17–24

DOI: 10.46882/2022/IJMMS/120017

Original Research Article

Gastroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Zingiber officinale Extract against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Rats

Amina R. Abubakar¹, George K. Mwangi², Thomas O. Adeyemi¹*

¹Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria.

²Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.

Abstract:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin often induce gastric mucosal damage through the generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. This experimental animal study examined the gastroprotective and antiperoxidative potential of a methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome (MEZO) against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration in male Wistar rats. Thirty adult rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Control, Indomethacin-alone (30 mg/kg, orally as a single dose on day 14), Omeprazole reference control (20 mg/kg), and two treatment groups receiving MEZO (200 and 400 mg/kg) orally for 14 consecutive days prior to indomethacin administration. Gastric mucosal injury was evaluated using macroscopic ulcer indices, gastric wall mucus quantification, lipid peroxidation assays, and histopathological analysis. Administration of indomethacin caused severe gastric ulceration, evidenced by a high mean ulcer index (4.82 ± 0.35) and a significant reduction in gastric wall mucus content (p < 0.01). Indomethacin also significantly increased tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the gastric mucosa (p < 0.01). Pre-treatment with MEZO (especially at 400 mg/kg) significantly protected against mucosal injury, lowering the mean ulcer index to 1.24 ± 0.15 (p < 0.01 vs. indomethacin group) and preserving gastric wall mucus. MEZO lowered lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological evaluation confirmed these findings, showing minimal mucosal erosion and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. Zingiber officinale extract offers substantial protection against indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration by reducing oxidative stress and preserving mucosal integrity.

Keywords: Zingiber officinale, Indomethacin, Gastric Ulcer, Lipid Peroxidation, Gastroprotection, Antioxidants

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 12, 2021; Revised: December 20, 2021; Accepted: January 15, 2022; Published: March 11, 2022.

Citation: Abubakar AR, Mwangi GK, Adeyemi TO. Gastroprotective and Antiperoxidative Actions of Zingiber officinale Extract against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Wistar Rats. International Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 2022, 12(3): 17–24. DOI: 10.46882/2022/IJMMS/120017

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