Safranal, a constituent of saffron, exerts gastro-protective effects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer

Abstract

Aims: Several natural products have been evaluated for management of gastric ulcer induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Safranal, a plant-derived chemical, has a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was aimed to evaluate possible gastro-protective effects of safranal against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Lansoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) was used as a reference drug.

Materials and methods: Thirty rats were divided into five groups. Groups 1 and 2 received vehicle. Groups 3, 4 and 5 treated with 0.063, 0.25 and 1 mg/kg safranal. Group 6 received 30 mg/kg lansoprazole. All groups except of group 1 received indomethacin (50 mg/kg) ingestion. Six hours later, animals were euthanized and their stomachs were removed. Gastric contents volume and pH were measured. Gastric ulcer area and protective index were evaluated using image J software. Histological changes were evaluated by light microscope. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) content, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Caspase-3 levels were determined in the gastric tissue.

Key findings: Safranal and lansoprazole normalized gastric volume and pH, reduced gastric ulcer area and produced gastric protection. Indomethacin-induced histological changes and tissue biochemical alterations were ameliorated by the above-mentioned treatments.

Significance: The results of the present study suggest the involvement of anti-secretory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms in gastro-protective effect of safranal. In addition, gastro-protective effect of safranal was comparable to lansoprazole.

Keywords: 2,4,6-tripyridyl-8-FeCl(3)·6H(2)O (Pubchem CID: 6093258); Gastric ulcer; Indomethacin; Lansoprazole; Rats; Safranal; Safranal (Pubchem CID: 61041); Tween 80 (Pubchem: 5281955); acetic acid (Pubchem CID: 176); carboxymethylcellulose sodium (Pubchem CID: 6328154); indomethacin (Pubchem CID: 3715); lansoprazole (Pubchem CID: 3883); sodium dodecyl sulphate (Pubchem CID: 3423265); tiobarbituric acid (Pubchem CID: 2723628).