Effects of Chrysophyllum albidum Bark Extract and its Fractions on Delayed Gastric Ulcer Healing and the Role of Blood Inflammatory Markers

Abstract

Previous studies have reported the anti-inflammatory potentials of Chrysophyllum albidum. In this study, the effect of Chrysophyllum albidum on gastric ulcer healing with particular interest in the role of inflammatory mediators, was carried out.
120 male wistar rats (120-150g) were divided into 8 groups (n=15) viz: Groups I -delayed ulcerated untreated; II and III – 500 and 250mg/kg b.w methanolic bark extract of C. albidum (MeCaB) respectively; II, III and IV-100mg/kg b.w chromatographic fractions A, B and C (CFrA, B and C) respectively; VII –30mg/mg b.w Omeprazole and VIII-ulcerated untreated not-delayed (baseline group). Chronic gastric ulcer was induced experimentally and delayed using indomethacin; drug treatments occurred simultaneously for 14 days. Daily body weights of experimental animals were monitored; hematological variables; ulcer score, and histological analysis were evaluated by days 3, 7 and 14 of treatment. Data were expressed as MeanSEM, analyzed using one-way ANOVA and p0.05 was considered statistically significant. The MeCaB, CFr A, B and C significantly increased body weights and haematological variable except (White blood cells) compared with untreated groups by days 3 and 7. The MeCaB and fractions significantly reduced Neutrophil/lymphocyte and Platelet/lymphocyte ratios (blood inflammatory makers) in this study. Furthermore, MeCaB (250 and 500mg/kg b.w) showed complete ulcer healing by day 3 with CFrA, B and C by day 7 of treatment. These observations were buttressed by histological evaluations. Chrysophyllum albidum bark extracts and its chromatographic fractions enhanced ulcer healing by increasing nitric oxide levels and heamatological variables to gastric tissue. Blood inflammatory makers were also ameliorated to a low level.