Promising efect of Geranium robertianum L. leaves and Aloe vera gel powder on Aspirin®‑induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats: anxiolytic behavioural efect, antioxidant activity, and protective pathways

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.