The potential effects of cranberry extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Indomethacin belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed for treatment of rheumatoid diseases and linked to the development of gastric ulcers in many people. Cranberry is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This study aimed to evaluate the activity of cranberry aqueous extract on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in albino rats. 20 adult male rats were sequentially assigned to four groups of 5 each. The control group consumes distilled water (DW) orally for 15 days. The induction group received a single oral dosage (60 mg/kg) of IND. The omeprazole group got 60 mg/kg of indomethacin as a single oral dose and then 20 mg/kg/day of omeprazole for 15 days. The cranberry group was given a single dose of indomethacin 60 mg/kg orally and subsequently 200 mg/kg/day of cranberry aqueous extract for 15 days. Rats were euthanized on day 15, and gastric tissues were removed for biochemical and histopathological evaluations.

Cranberry extract considerably ameliorated the severity of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcerations and fixed histological deteriorations. Furthermore, indomethacin-exposed rats treated with cranberry extract exhibited dramatically lower serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers like TNF-α and IL-6, but higher levels of anti-oxidative biomarkers like SOD and GPx. The bioactive flavonoids and polyphenols content of cranberry extract could possibly account for its profound gastroprotective effects. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cranberry extract could be a promising strategy for ameliorating the indomethacin-aggravated gastrotoxicity.