Prevention of indomethacin - induced gastric ulcers in rats by extract from leaves of centella asiatica.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of Centella asiatica extract on gastric ulcers caused by indomethacin in rats. Methods: Male rats were orally given extract of C.asiatica prior to the administration of indomethacin. The stomach was dissected and the number of bleeding spots and histological features were determined. Results: Giving extract of C.asiatica at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg for 30 minutes prior to oral administration of indomethacin decreased the number of bleeding spots are about 11 times lower than those given indomethacin alone. Histological findings of indomethacin-treated group showed the depth of injury of gastric mucosa which is about half the thickness of the mucosal layer. Treatment with C.asiatica decreased the depth of tissue erosion, down to one-third of the thickness of the mucosa. Conclusion: The results showed protective effect of C.asiatica on gastric ulceration caused by the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin.