Asiatic Acid Ameliorates Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats Through Enhancement of TGF-β1

Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be associated with peptic ulcers. Asiatic acid, the active ingredient of Centella asiatica, is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the potential gastroprotective effects of asiatic acid dissolved in orange oil against indomethacin-induced peptic ulcer in rats. Rats were assigned to six groups as follows: Group 1: orally received the vehicle of asiatic acid (0.5% CMC-Na) followed by the vehicle of indomethacin (0.5% DMSO, i.p.); Group 2: gavaged with CMC-Na followed by indomethacin (25 mg/kg, i.p.); Group 3: given orange oil (10 mg/kg) before indomethacin; Group 4: received oral asiatic acid (10 mg/kg) prior to indomethacin; Group 5: received oral asiatic acid (10 mg/kg) in orange oil (10 mg/kg) prior to indomethacin. Group 6: administered oral omeprazole (30 mg/kg) prior to indomethacin. Indomethacin induced reduced secretion of mucin, decreased levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE₂) and cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1), heightened oxidative stress, and elevated levels of the proinflammatory mediators. Pretreatment with asiatic acid in orange oil almost restored the normal macroscopic and microscopic features, increased mucin secretion, increased COX-1 and PGE₂ levels, and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. Also, asiatic acid in orange oil significantly restored the levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the gastric tissue of rats. Asiatic acid in orange oil shows significant protective effects against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers in rats. It improves both macroscopic and microscopic gastric mucosal features while restoring TGF-β1 levels, promoting tissue repair and healing.