Abstract

Objective: To investigate the gastroprotective effect of tannin from Schwenkia americana Linn. on mitochondrial functions in ulcerogenic rats. Methods: A total number of 36 male Wistar rats weighing 160–220 g were used for the study. The rats were divided into six groups with six rats each group. Groups I and II were orally administered with distilled water, Groups III, IV and V with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/ kg of extracted tannin whilst Group VI administered with omeprazole, respectively for 7 days. All animals were fasted for 24 h before single administration of 800 mg/kg body weight of aspirin, except for Group I (normal control). Ulcerogenic activity and mitochondrial functional parameters were assessed. Results: Administration of aspirin significantly (P < 0.05) increased free and total acidity, quantity of gastric juice, protein, pepsin activity and decreased tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, ATPases, fucose, sialic, hexosamine, hexose and mucin level in ulcerated rats (Group II). There was also dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential in ulcerated rats, but prior pretreatment of extracted tannin and omeprazole prevented theses biochemical effects. Conclusions: Tannin from Schwenkia americana prevented impaired stomach mitochondrial functions in aspirin induced gastric damage and may also act as gastroprotective of the gastric mucosal.

Authors and Affiliations