Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the protective effects of barbigerone in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats (180±20 g) were used in the study (n=06). The rats were randomly divided into different groups, i.e., the normal group, ethanol control, and barbigerone 10 and 20 mg/kg group. Various biochemical parameters were assessed - total acidity and pH values, oxidative stress biomarkers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase (CAT) along with markers, i.e., tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and expression of B-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Also, histopathology was performed.
Results: Treatment with barbigerone in the ethanol-induced-ulcer rats restored the levels of biochemical parameters such as SOD, GSH, MDA, CAT, and markers expression, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, ICAM-1, and Bcl-2 with protected against cellular necrosis.
Conclusions: Barbigerone protective effects can be attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as promote gastroprotection against ethanol-induced ulcers in rats.