GASTROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF EQUISETUM HYEMALE IN EXPERIMENTAL GASTRIC ULCER RAT MODELS

Equisetum hyemale is traditionally used for dyspepsia and stomach pain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the aqueous ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Equisetum hyemale in gastric ulcer rat models. Gastric ulcer models were induced by ethanol (5 mL/kg bw), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (200 mg/kg bw) and pylorus ligation separately. The pH, total acidity, ulcer scoring index and histopathological evaluation were performed. Oral administration of Equisetum hyemale extract (250 and 500 mg/kg bw) significantly reduced the development of gastric lesions in all gastric ulcer models. The pH, total acidity and ulcer scoring index also decreased significantly when compared with the Diseased control group. Histopathological studies are in good agreement with the biochemical findings. Equisetum hyemale might show its gastroprotective activity by decreasing oxidative damage, blockage of H2 receptors activation, increase prostaglandins secretion and formation of mucus layer in different gastric ulcer models. The findings of the present study validate the traditional use of Equisetum hyemale to treat stomach pain, however the determination of phytochemical compounds responsible for gastroprotective activity is required for further confirmation.