Effects of Portulaca oleracea extract on Experimentally Induced Gastric Lesions in Wistar Rats: Antioxidative Action in Gastroprotection

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.