Histological and antioxidant assessment of the gastroprotective effect of polyphenolic extract from Corchorus olitorius in an ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model.

Gastric ulcers remain a global health concern, with common treatments such as proton pump inhibitors often causing adverse effects. Polyphenol-rich extracts represent promising alternatives due to their antioxidant and gastroprotective properties. This study investigated the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant potential of Polyphenolic Extract from Corchorus olitorius (PECO) leaves in an ethanol-induced rat gastric ulcer model. Phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were quantified by colorimetric assays, while HPLC-UV/Vis identified major bioactive compounds. Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic (cytotoxicity) activity on human erythrocytes were assessed in vitro. Antiulcerogenic activity was evaluated in Wistar rats through preventive and curative protocols with polyphenolic extract doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg, compared to omeprazole. Gastric pH, ulcer index, antioxidant status (PAOT®/POT®), polyphenol levels, and histopathology were analyzed. PECO contained high levels of phenols (237.84 µg GAE/mg) and flavonoids (297.43 µg CE/mg). HPLC identified 13 compounds, including salicylic acid, caffeine, rutin and catechin. In vitro, PECO displayed strong antioxidant activity (1032.18 PAOT score/g), significant anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 = 85.36 µg/mL). PECO showed low hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes, suggesting limited cytotoxicity in this model. In vivo, PECO significantly restored gastric pH, reduced ulceration up to 92.77% in preventive protocols and 90.44% in curative protocols, and improved gastric antioxidant and phenolic contents Histological analysis confirmed mucosal protection and regeneration, with comparable effects to omeprazole. The polyphenol-rich extract of Corchorus olitorius exhibited strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastroprotective activities. At (400 mg/kg), it significantly reduced gastric lesions and restored antioxidant balance, similar to omeprazole, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for gastric ulcer prevention and management.