Prophylactic Role of Echinacea, Green Tea and Boswellia Extracts in Pyloric Ligation-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Peptic ulcer is a common disorder of the stomach and duodenum. Herbs and medicinal plants are considered to be a potential source to combat various diseases including gastric ulcer. The present study was conducted to evaluate the gastro protective effects of Echinacea extract, Green tea extract and Boswellia extract on a pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer. Six groups of rats were intraperitoneally pre-treated with saline as normal group, saline as ulcer group, 20 mg/kg of ranitidine as positive group, Echinacea extract (25 mg/kg, I.P), Green tea extract (25 mg/kg, I.P) and Boswellia extract (200 mg/kg, I.P) for 15 consecutive days before pyloric ligation. Gastric acidity, ulcer index and histology were assessed. Gastric homogenates were determined for Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, Glutathione (GSH) content in addition to blood Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity. Pyloric ligation elevated gastric acidity, ulcer index and malondialdehyde content, while glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly decreased. Prior administration of extracts mitigated the injurious effects of pyloric ligation. Echinacea, Green tea and Boswellia extracts separately ameliorated all the altered biochemical parameters. These results were confirmed histologically. These data suggested that Green tea, Echinacea or Boswellia extract could have a protective role in gastric ulcer probably via regulation of oxidant/antioxidant balance.