Assessment of Antisecretory, Gastroprotective, and In-vitro Antacid Potential of Daucus carota in Experimental Rats

Abstract

Objectives: In Indo China, carrots have been reported to regulate the functions of the stomach and intestines. The objective of the present investigation was to unravel the therapeutic potential of 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (EDC) on antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid capacity using experimental rats.

Methods: Assessment of EDC antisecretory and in vivo antacid capacities was carried out using a pyloric ligation induced ulcer model. The gastroprotective effect was assessed with an absolute ethanol induced ulcer model. The integrity of gastric mucosa was evaluated using the estimation of glutathione and gastric mucus level and with histopathological examination of gastric mucosal cells. The in-vitro antacid capacity was evaluated using a titration method. The effect of the extract on the liver was assessed by measuring serum biochemical parameters.

Results: The EDC significantly (p < 0.01-0.001) reduced gastric lesions in both models. Furthermore, the EDC also significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) reduced the volume of gastric content whereas the total acidity was significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) reduced with the doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg EDC. Moreover, the mucus content and glutathione level increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the absolute alcohol-induced ulcer. The EDC also showed in-vitro antacid capacity. Histopathological studies further confirmed the potential of EDC by inhibiting congestion, edema, hemorrhage, and necrosis in gastric mucosa.

Conclusion: The EDC exerted antisecretory, gastroprotective, and in vitro antacid potential. These activities could be attributed due to the presence of glycosides, phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids.

Keywords: Apiaceae; Daucus carota; antacid; antisecretory; gastroprotective.

Figure 1

Effects of control, 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg), 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg), and ranitidine (50 mg/kg) given orally to the respective groups. Columns for gastric volume (mL/100 g/4 h), pH, and vertical bar represent the mean ± standard error of the mean of six animals. *p < 0.05 against their control. ^†p < 0.001 against their control. EDC = 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots.

Figure 2

Effects of control, 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg), 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg), and ranitidine (50 mg/kg) given orally to the respective groups. Columns for free acidity (mEq/L/100 g), total acidity (mEq/L/100 g), and vertical bar represent the mean ± standard error of the mean of six animals. *p < 0.05 against their control. ^†p < 0.001 against their control. EDC = 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots.

Figure 3

Effects of control, 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg), 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg), and ranitidine (50 mg/kg) given orally to the respective groups. Columns for gastric wall mucus (μg/g wet glandular tissue) and vertical bar represent the mean ± standard error of the mean of six animals. *p < 0.05. EDC = 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots.

Figure 4

Effects of control, ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg), ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg), and ranitidine (50 mg/kg) given orally to the respective groups. Columns for glutathione (μg/mg protein) and vertical bar represent the mean ± standard error of the mean of six animals. *p < 0.05. EDC = 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots; GSH = glutathione.

Figure 5

Microscopic observation of gastric mucosa of rat stained with hematoxylin and eosin. (A) Pyloric ligation control; (B) 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg); (C) 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg); and (D) ranitidine (50 mg/kg).

Figure 6

Microscopic observation of gastric mucosa of rat stained with hematoxylin and eosin. (A) Ethanol control; lesion in mucosal layer; (B) 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (100 mg/kg); slight lesion in mucosal layer; (C) 50% ethanol extract from Daucus carota roots (200 mg/kg); and (D) ranitidine (50 mg/kg).