Mechanisms of gastroprotective effects of Anabasis articulata (Forssk.) Moq. decoction against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

Abstract

Anabasis articulata, commonly known as ?ajrem? or ?eshnan?, is widely used in traditional medicine across the Arab world to alleviate ailments such as eczema, fever, and inflammatory diseases. Despite its extensive use, no prior studies have investigated the gastroprotective properties of the decocted extract of A. articulata (DEAA) or explored its mechanisms of action. This study is the first to evaluate the gastroprotective effects of DEAA in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats and to elucidate its mechanism of action through three major protective pathways. Rats received DEAA per os (p.o.) at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. Mechanistic investigations included pretreatments with glibenclamide (a potassium ATP-channel blocker), indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor), and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor). DEAA at 200 mg/kg demonstrated significant gastroprotective activity in the acute ulcer model. The gastroprotective effects of DEAA were not affected by these pharmacological inhibitors, confirming that its action is independent of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP channel), prostaglandin synthesis, and nitric oxide (NO) production. Further analysis revealed that DEAA protects the gastric mucosa by reducing basal gastric juice secretion, enhancing mucus secretion, and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Additionally, DEAA mitigated inflammation by reducing neutrophil infiltration, as evidenced by decreased myeloperoxidase activity. These findings provide the first scientific validation of the gastroprotective effects of DEAA, independent of the three classical protective pathways. This study highlights the potential of A. articulata as a multi-targeted therapeutic agent for preventing and managing gastric ulcers.