Evidence of gastroprotective effect of Acacia aroma Gill ex Hook&Arn (Tusca) leaves infusión

FÉLIX FACUNDO TABOADA; NATALIA HABIB; SUSANA GENTA

Mar del Plata

Congreso; LXI REUNIÓN ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE INVESTIGACIÓN CLÍNICA (SAIC) LXIV REUNIÓN ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE INMUNOLOGÍA (SAI) XLVIII REUNIÓN ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ARGENTINA DE FARMACOLOGÍA EXPERIMENTAL (SAFE) VII REUNIÓN ANUAL DE LA SOCIEDAD; 2016

The peptic ulcer is a pathology resulting of the imbalance between offensive and defensive factors in gastric mucosa and the search for new treatments is a current challenge. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential gastroprotective and antisecretory effects of 5% infusion of Tusca leaves. This extract was lyophilized and subjected to a phytochemical screening, and its antioxidant activity was determined. In vivo studies were developed in two models of induced gastric ulcers in male Wistar rats (ethanol and pylorus ligation). The experimental groups (n=6 animals/group) were: 1-Control group; 2-Positive control group treated with Sucralfate (100mg/Kg) or Omeprazole (40mg/Kg) orally; 3-Aqueous extract treated group received orally 150 mg dry extract /kg. Mucus content was evaluated by Alcian Blue method and ulceration parameters (number of ulcers, severity and ulcerated area percentage) were determined. Chemical, microscopic studies of gastric content and a histological evaluation were performed. Also, a gastric emptying assay was carried out. Tusca extract showed a significant free radical scavenging effect, compared with the controls quercetin and BHT. The extract caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of the ulcerated area, being the severity and number of ulcers lower, compared with untreated control group, the mucus content was significantly higher than control group. The rats treated with the extract showed a decrease in the gastric juice volume and free acidity compared with control group. The gastric emptying was no modified with the treatment. In conclusion, Tusca extract has a significant gastroprotective effect likely related to free radical scavenging activity and through the strengthening of the mucus layer. Additional studies are needed to determine the active compounds and specific mechanisms involved.