Effects of Portulaca oleracea extract on Experimentally Induced Gastric Lesions in Wistar Rats: Antioxidative Action in Gastroprotection
Vincent Ngouana
Biomedical Research Unit and Drug Development (UR-BIODEME), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O. Box 96, Cameroon and Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde P.O. Box 812, Cameroon.
Prisca Laure Nobosse Pewoupa
Biomedical Research Unit and Drug Development (UR-BIODEME), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O. Box 96, Cameroon.
Boniface Pone Kamdem *
Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde P.O. Box 812, Cameroon and Advanced Research & Health Innovation Hub, P.O. Box 20133, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Jaurès Marius Tsakem Nangap
Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon.
Raoul Kemzeu
Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde P.O. Box 812, Cameroon.
Simionne Lapoupée Kuitcha Tonga
Research Unit of Environmental and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
Guy Sedar Singor Njateng *
Biomedical Research Unit and Drug Development (UR-BIODEME), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Dschang, Dschang, P.O. Box 96, Cameroon.
Patrick Valere Tsouh Fokou
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, P.O. Box 39, Bambili, Cameroon.
Léon Azefack Tapondjou
Research Unit of Environmental and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
Rémy Bertrand Teponno
Research Unit of Environmental and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
Fabrice Fekam Boyom
Antimicrobial and Biocontrol Agents Unit (AmBcAU), Laboratory for Phytobiochemistry and Medicinal Plants Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde 1, Yaounde P.O. Box 812, Cameroon and Advanced Research & Health Innovation Hub, P.O. Box 20133, Yaounde, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Gastric ulcer, a mucosal lesion resulting from an imbalance between aggressive factors (HCl, pepsin) and gastric defenses (mucus, bicarbonate, blood flow), remains a common pathology. Although treatments such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists are effective, their prolonged use can lead to various side effects, including gastrointestinaland metabolic disorders, among others. Nowadays, natural treatments are gaining increasing interest. Portulaca oleracea is a medicinal plant known for its gastrointestinal relieving properties. Thus, the scientific validation of this plant in treating gastric problems is worthwhile.
Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of the ethanol extract of Portulaca oleracea against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats.
Methods: The ethanol extract of the aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea was obtained by maceration. The phytochemical screening of the as-prepared extract was performed using standard protocols. Gastric ulcer was induced by an oral administration of 20°C ethanol (10 mL/kg) to rats for 7 days. The ethanol-induced ulcerogenic rats were further treated orally with P. oleracea extract at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg, and sucralfate (350 mg/kg; positive control). Parameters such as body weight gain, ulcer surface area, hematological parameters, oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, SOD, and catalase), and inflammatory (CRP, TNF-α, and IL-10) markers, as well as the histology sections of the stomach were evaluated. An acute toxicity test was conducted on female Wistar rats according to the OECD guidelines.
Results: Daily oral administration of 20°C ethanol caused weight loss, gastric mucus reduction, ulceration, oxidative stress (↑ MDA, ↓ GSH, ↓ SOD, ↓ CAT), and a marked inflammatory response (↑ CRP, ↑ TNF-α, ↓ IL-10), along with histological damage to the gastric epithelium. Treatment with Portulaca oleracea, especially at 150 and 300 mg/kg doses, significantly restored mucus levels, normalized oxidative markers, and modulated the inflammatory mediators, with optimal efficacy observed at 300 mg/kg. Noteworthy, 50.58, 80 and 42.35% reduction of the ulcer surface area was observed at 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively.
Conclusion: The ethanol extract of P. oleracea exhibits significant anti-ulcer activity, mediated by its antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. Portulaca oleracea represents a promising avenue for the development of phytomedicines against gastric ulcers.
Keywords: Portulaca oleracea, gastric ulcer, oxidative stress, inflammation, cytokines, Wistar rats