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Protective Effects of Quercetin and Melatonin on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats
Marwa Sayed Abdel-Tawab1, Ola Mostafa Tork2,3, Gomaa Mostafa-Hedeab4,5
1Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.
Background:
Medications to prevent the development of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers have a large range of unpleasant side effects. Recent efforts have been focused on determining safer alternative nontoxic and natural forms of anti-ulcer treatments.
Methods:
Twenty-four male rats were divided into 4 groups: 1: control group that received no treatment; 2: the ndomethacin-treated group that received 20 mg/kg of indomethacin for 2 days to induce the development of gastric ulcers; 3: quercetin-treated group that in addition to the indomethacin treatment, received 50 mg/kg of quercetin 6 hours after and then daily for 14 days and; 4: the melatonin-treated group which received 20 mg/kg of melatonin 6 hours after each indomethacin treatment and then daily for 14 days. All drugs were administered orally. The following parameters were assessed in each group: mean ulcer index of gastric tissue, gastric acid volume and pH, oxidative stress markers: malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), inflammatory markers: PGE-2, TNF-α, and IL-10, nitric oxide (NO) levels and the relative gene expression of BAX, BCL-2 and COX-2 by real time PCR.
Results:
Our findings revealed that the indomethacin-treated group had a significantly increased (p< 0.05) ulcer index, gastric acid volume, and elevated levels of stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers compared to controls. In the groups that received quercetin or melatonin, these factors were all significantly decreased (p< 0.05). Between quercetin and melatonin, there was no significant difference in their gastroprotective effect.
Conclusion:
Both quercetin and melatonin had protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic activity against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.
Insights
Quercetin and melatonin offer natural protection against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers. These compounds demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, providing a safer alternative for ulcer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
- Natural Product Research
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastric ulcers, with current preventative medications having significant side effects.
- Research is exploring natural, non-toxic alternatives for treating and preventing NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the gastroprotective effects of quercetin and melatonin against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats.
- To compare the efficacy of quercetin and melatonin as natural anti-ulcer agents.
Main Methods:
- Indomethacin was used to induce gastric ulcers in male rats, with treatment groups receiving either quercetin or melatonin orally.
- Key parameters assessed included ulcer index, gastric acid, oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH), inflammatory markers (PGE-2, TNF-α, IL-10), nitric oxide, and gene expression (BAX, BCL-2, COX-2).
Main Results:
- Indomethacin significantly increased ulcer index, gastric acid, and inflammatory/apoptotic markers compared to controls.
- Both quercetin and melatonin significantly reduced these indomethacin-induced negative effects.
- No significant difference was observed between the gastroprotective efficacy of quercetin and melatonin.
Conclusions:
- Quercetin and melatonin exhibit significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.
- These natural compounds demonstrate potent gastroprotective activity against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.
- Quercetin and melatonin represent promising natural alternatives for managing NSAID-induced gastric issues.
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