Ameliorative and Safety Characteristics of Argemone mexicana in Indomethacin-Induced Peptic Ulcer

Abstract

Argemone mexicana (A. mexicana) is a plant traditionally used in Nigeria and some African countries to treat peptic ulcer disease. In this study, the ameliorative effect of ethanolic leaf extract of A. mexicana in indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer and its safety were investigated. Phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures. Ulcer was induced in rats by single oral administration dose of 25 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) indomethacin followed by treatment with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b.w. ethanolic leaf extract of A. mexicana. Ulcer-related indices such as gastric pH, acidity, pepsin, and Na+/K+-ATPase activities, glycoprotein, and mucus contents were determined. The status of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase, and transferase) in the stomach and duodenum of the rats was also evaluated. Safety of the extract in the liver and kidney was investigated by chromosomal aberration. The results showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins present in the extract as phytochemical constituents. The extract at 200 mg/kg b.w. significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated the gastric pH, volume, and acidity of the stomach. It also significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the glycoprotein and mucus contents in the mucosal membrane of rats. The status of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase, and transferase) in both tissues was also significantly improved. Study on safety evaluation revealed that the extract is relatively safe at the most active dose investigated. The study concluded that A. mexicana could serve as an alternative therapy for the development of a safer antiulcer drug.

Keywords

• argemone mexicana
• indomethacin
• peptic ulcer
• antioxidant
• chromosomal aberration