Potential Protective Effects of Plantago major Extracts against Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Globally, gastric ulcer is one of the most serious diseases. Although, there are several antiulcer drugs, however most of them have adverse reactions. This research aims to investigate the protective effects of Plantago major extracts, water extract Plantago (WE) and ethanolic extract Plantago (EE) against indomethacin (IND)-induced gastric ulcer in rats.Also, to determine the active constituents and fatty acids content of Plantago major. Gastric ulcer was induced by a single oral dose of IND (30 mg/ kg). Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) and Pantozol (Panto), a reference drug, were administered orally 14 days prior to IND ingestion. Plantago major contains high levels of total antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenols. Gas chromatography analysis showed a high percent of linoleic acid (33.79%), oleic acid (29.41%), and palmitic acid (19.25 %) in Plantago. Gross evaluation of gastric mucosal lesions showed that Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) and Panto pretreatment reduced gastric lesions, diminished ulceration of surface epithelium, and maintained the normal histological structure of gastric mucosa induced by IND. Besides, significantly reduced ulcer index, total gastric acidity, gastric pH, and serum oxidative stress compared with the IND group. Pretreatment with Plantago (WE), Plantago (EE) and Pantosignificantly increased gastric tissue content of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). In conclusion, pretreatment with Plantago (WE) Plantago (EE) showed a better ulcer healing capacity compared favorably well with Panto results, these results could be attributed to its high content of active antioxidant constituents.