THE EFFECTS OF Smallanthus sonchifolius LEAVES DECOCTION IN THE PROTECTION OF GASTRIC MUCOSA FROM ETHANOL-INDUCED DAMAGE IN RATS

NATALIA HABIB; FÉLIX FACUNDO TABOADA; SUSANA GENTA; WILFREDO CABRERA

Jornada; XXXVI Jornadas Científicas de la Asociación de Biología de Tucumán; 2019

Smallanthus sonchifolius [Poepp.&Ende.] H. Robinson is a perennial herb widely distributed in South America. Their leaves have been used for centuries to treat digestive diseases. The peptic ulcer is an increasing disorder resulting of the imbalance between protective and aggressive factors in the gastric mucosa. A protective factors enhancer therapy would be an interesting approach to prevent gastric ulcers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo gastroprotective effect of the 10% decoction of S. sonchifolius leaves. An ethanol induced gastric ulcers model in Wistar rats, were used. The experimental groups (n=6 animals) were: Normal control group, Negative control group, (NaCl 0.9%), Positive control group (Sucralfate 100mg/Kg orally) and Treated group (S. sonchifolius 10% leaves decoction 150mg/kg orally). Mucus content and ulceration parameters were determined. Histological and histochemical studies of gastric tissue were performed. The activity of catalase and the levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde were quantified in gastric homogenates. S. sonchifolius extract caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of the ulcerated area, the severity and number of ulcers and an increase in mucus content compared with the negative control group. There was also an improvement in the parameters of oxidative stress. These results suggest that yacón have beneficial gastroprotective effect, which is due in part to an in vivo antioxidant effect and the conservation of the mucus wall. Additional studies are needed to determinate the active compounds and mechanisms involved.