Gastroprotective mechanism of Paederia foetida Linn. (Rubiaceae)--a popular edible plant used by the tribal community of North-East India.

BACKGROUND

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Paederia foetida L. leaf for gastric ulcer.

METHODS

The methanol extract of P. foetida L. leaves at two different dose levels was investigated for gastroprotective potential by using Indomethacin-pylorus ligation, alcohol induced and water immersion stress induced model in rats. In vitro DPPH* radical scavenging activity and western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats were also carried out. HPTLC analysis was done to understand the phyto-pharmacological relationship.

RESULTS

Methanol extract at a dose level of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight showed 72 and 78% ulcer protection when compared to negative control whereas reference drug shown 82% protection in Indomethacin-pylorus ligation model. Further, methanol extract also showed protective effect against 70% v/v ethanol and stress induced gastric ulcer model. About 84% protection as compared to cimetidine (85%) was seen in western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats. HPTLC analysis of methanol extract of P. foetida L. confirmed the presence of β-sitosterol. In DPPH* radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value was observed to be 43.52 μg/ml.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations established the traditional claim and thus Paederia foetida could be a potent gastroprotective agent for use in future. The gastroprotective activity might be mediated by the Nrf2 mediated antioxidant and anti secretory effects.