PREVENTION OF GASTRIC EROSION IN INDOMETHACIN ADMINISTERED RATS BY SELECTED ANTIOXIDANTS, VITAMINS AND MINERALS

This investigation was aimed to study the effect of few selected antioxidants, Vitamins and minerals for prevention of gastric erosion in indomethacin induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. Male Wistar rats, weighing between 200 -250 g were divided into 9 groups of 6 animals each (n = 6). The groups were treated respectively as follows Group I normal control and Group II disease control received normal saline, Group III was treated with standard drug Omeprazole, Group IV to IX received test substances for 7 days. Ulceration was induced by a single oral administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg). Various parameters like, the volume, pH of gastric juice, total acidity, ulcer index, percentage protection, mucin content, pepsin activity and antioxidant enzymes were estimated. Histopathology of stomach epithelium was observed. The ulcer index and total acidity were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Increase in pH was observed in ulcer induced rats pre-treated with test substances. Mucin content was found to be restored significantly in all rats pre-treated with test substances, and pepsin activity was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) when compared with disease control treated rats. The alteration observed in the level of super oxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione were increased in test substances treated rats and showed significant restoration. The level of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde were decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Histopathology of gastric mucosa confirmed the gastro-protection by test substances. The study reveals antiulcerogenic effects were observed in all test groups antioxidants, Vitamins and minerals probably by its free radical scavenging activity, antisecretory activity, cytoprotection and mucin preventing nature.