Gastroprotective potential of fatty compounds from Persea americana seed: an experimental report

Persea americana (Lauraceae) is a fruit widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, commonly known as the avocado. Although the seeds represent a considerable portion of the whole fruit, scientific research on their phytochemistry and biological effects is still in its early stages. This study investigated the gastroprotective effect of the crude methanolic extract (CME-PA; 30-300 mg/kg), the fractions hexane (HF-PA; 100-1000 mg/kg), dichloromethane (DCMF-PA; 30-1000 mg/kg), and ethyl acetate (EAF-PA; 1000 mg/kg) at doses proportional to their yields, as well as isolated compounds (1-4) and a mixture of compounds (M). Gastroprotection was evaluated using the acidified ethanol-induced ulcer model. In addition, the study assessed histological, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters in the gastric mucosa, as well as the in vitro anti-H. pylori activity. Although CME-PA did not prevent the onset of gastric lesions, the HF-PA (300 and 1000 mg/kg), DCMF-PA (1000 mg/kg), and EAF-PA (1000 mg/kg) fractions attenuated acidified ethanol-induced injury by 56.73%, 74.93%, 80.53%, and 52.91%, respectively. Similarly, compounds 4 (300 mg/kg) and M (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg) reduced lesion formation by 52.16%, 56.02%, 66.90%, and 72.89%. Furthermore, compounds 4 (300 mg/kg) and M (3 mg/kg) increased PAS-stained mucin content. Notably, the mixture M, at all tested doses, enhanced the antioxidant defenses of the gastric mucosa and reduced inflammation. Despite these findings, the extract, fractions, and isolated compounds did not exhibit anti-H. pylori activity. Overall, this study provides promising phytochemical and pharmacological evidence, given the significant gastroprotective effects of fractions and isolated compounds against acidified ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. These results highlight the potential of P. americana seeds, often regarded as a by-product of the fruit, as a valuable natural resource for the prevention of gastric ulcer disease.