Microscopical Evaluation of Healing Effect of Falcaria vulgaris Extract on Aspirin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Abstract

Objectives: Gastroprotective effects of herbal medicine were shown in numerous studies. Falcaria vulgaris (Ghazzayaghi) has traditionally been used for the treatment of stomach disorders in the Northwest of Iran. The present study was carried out to evaluate the microscopic healing effect of F. vulgaris extract on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty five young male rats were divided into five groups (7 rats/group). Control (group I) treated with 1 ml/kg distilled water. Four groups of animals had been exposed to starvation for 48 h and then received aspirin (200 mg/kg) in 1 ml carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) 1% solvent for 3 days. Then, groups II-IV of rats were treated with 150 mg/kg extract (experimental group), 20 mg/kg omeprazole (reference group) and CMC solution (ulcer control group) by gavages for 14 days, respectively. The fifth group only received aspirin for 3 days. Three hours after last treatment rats were sacrificed and the stomachs were fixed in formalin (10%) and sections of 6 μ in diameter were prepared. Ulcer index, curative ratio, and morphological characteristics of the stomach were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson staining. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. Results: The results indicated that F. vulgaris extract significantly decreased the ulcer index (P < 0.01), increased curative ratio, and enhanced the formation of collagen fibers compare to aspirin and omeprazole groups. Conclusions: Hydroalcoholic extract of F. vulgaris showed significant microscopic healing effect on the aspirin-induced gastric ulcer.