Abstract:
Background Many drugs have been restricted in the treatment of gastric ulcers (GU). So, herbal medicines are now in great
demand for their better cultural acceptability, compatibility, and minimal side efects. Therefore, our study aimed to assess
the protective efcacy of Aloe vera gel and Geranium robertianum extracts against Aspirin®-induced GU in Wistar rats.
Methods Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of both herbs were analysed. Then, we divided forty female Wistar
rats into fve groups: a negative control group, a positive control group of Aspirin®-induced GU, and pretreated groups with
Aloe Vera, geranium, and Famotidine (reference drug). The locomotor disability, anxiety-like behaviour, and ultrasonogra-
phy were assessed. Ultimately, scarifcation of animals to determine gastric juice pH and ulcer index. Then the collection
of stomach and liver for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, besides tracing the oxidative stress
biomarkers and related genes.
Results High content of polyphenols was revealed in both extracts. The pretreatment with Aloe vera gel and geranium showed
signifcant antioxidant activities with free radical scavenging and ferric-reducing power (FRAP). Moreover, they improved
the stomach architecture and alleviated anxiety-like behaviour and motor defcits. They signifcantly reduced the expression
of proinfammatory cytokine (TNF-α), infammatory, and oxidative stress genes (NF-KB, HO-1, Nrf-2) while increasing
the Keap-1 in gastric mucosa.
Conclusion Data presented a signifcant protective efect of Aloe vera gel and geranium against Aspirin®-induced GU; they
reduced gastric mucosal injury with potential anxiolytic efects through their anti-infammatory and antioxidant properties.
Therefore, they may be considered promising agents for preventing or treating gastric ulceration.
