Anti-Ulcer Effect of Ornithogalum umbellatum at Various Potencies in Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulceration in Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Pre-clinical Study.

BACKGROUND

Gastric ulceration is a major global health issue, and conventional anti-ulcer drugs often cause adverse effects, necessitating safer alternatives. Ornithogalum umbellatum (OrUm), traditionally referenced in homeopathy for gastrointestinal complaints, lacks thorough pre-clinical evaluation. This study investigated the anti-ulcer effects of OrUm in mother tincture (MT), 6C and 30C potencies using an indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six rats were divided into six groups (n = 6 per group). Five groups received indomethacin (30 mg/kg, subcutaneously) to induce ulcers. Four of these were treated orally for 7 days with esomeprazole (20 mg/kg), OrUm-MT, OrUm-6C, or OrUm-30C. One group served as disease control and another as normal control. Biochemical parameters (including SGOT, SGPT, ALP, urea, creatinine, glucose, protein), antioxidant markers (MDA, SOD) and histopathological changes were assessed. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was performed to analyze the phytochemical composition of OrUm-MT.

RESULTS

OrUm-6C significantly improved SGOT, SGPT, ALP, urea, glucose, protein and MDA levels (p < 0.05), with histological evidence of mucosal healing. OrUm-MT significantly reduced SGPT and creatinine levels but showed mild ulceration histologically. OrUm-30C showed no significant biochemical improvement. LC-MS analysis of OrUm-MT revealed phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may underlie its antioxidant effects.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pre-clinical study to demonstrate the anti-ulcer potential of OrUm. Among the tested potencies, OrUm-6C showed the most consistent biochemical and histopathological improvements. These findings support further investigation through rigorous pre-clinical and clinical studies to establish its therapeutic potential.