Amelioration of gastric ulcers using a hydro-alcoholic extract of Triphala in indomethacin-induced Wistar rats

IntroductionTriphala is widely prescribed herbal drug in the Indian traditional system of medicine. It is rich in antioxidants and possesses diverse beneficial properties. It is used to treat many diseases such as anemia, jaundice, constipation, asthma, fever, chronic ulcer and various gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the ulcer ameliorative effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Triphala in indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rats.MethodsGastric ulcer was induced by indomethacin (10 mg/kg b wt, po) in Wistar rats. Triphala extract (1000 mg/kg b wt, po) or vehicle (1 ml/kg/day po of 1% CMC) was given to the rats for 15 days by oral gavage (n = 6). The ulcer ameliorative effect of Triphala extract was compared with standard drug ranitidine (50 mg/kg b wt, po for 15 days). The ulcer index was calculated. Gastric histopathology and biochemical parameters like mucus, lipid peroxide, glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined.ResultsTreatment with Triphala extract significantly decreased the levels of ulcer index and lipid peroxide in the treated rats. The extract also significantly elevated the levels of mucus, GSH, CAT and SOD. These findings matched the results of histopathological studies.ConclusionTriphala extract possesses an ulcer ameliorative effect in gastric ulcer through strengthening the gastric mucosa, restoring the free radical scavenging enzymes and reducing the lipid peroxide production.