To Explore the Ulceroprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Hyssopus officinalis in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats

Aim: To explore the ulceroprotective and antioxidant potential of Hyssopus officinalis in ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.
Study Design: Administration of plant extract and evaluation of antiulcer activity.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, Rayat Institute of Pharmacy, Railmajra, Distt. SBS Nagar. Performed between August 2011- June 2012.
Methodology: In the present study 1 ml of ethanol was administered to the overnight fasted rats which were sacrificed after 1 hour. Ethanolic extract of Hyssopus officinalis (EEHO) at the dose of 100 and 125 mg/kg was administered to albino rats 1 hour before the administration of ethanol. Animals were there then sacrificed and tissue homogenate was used for various biochemical parameters in order to explore the ulceroprotective and antioxidant potential of the plant.
Results: Administration of 1 ml of ethanol to overnight fasted rats resulted in increased ulcer index, total acidity and decreased pH. Further, it has been observed that in ethanol administered rats there was increased generation of reactive oxygen species estimated by increased level of TBARS and attenuated levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide along with decreased secretion of mucin. Further, ethanol administration too has a detrimental effect on the integrity of stomach. Pre-treatment with EEHO showed a great antiulcer and antioxidant potential depicted by decreased generation of ROS, improved the integrity of stomach, and increased the nitric oxide level. Most importantly, EEHO significantly improved the mucus secretion estimated by gastric adhesion mucus content.
Conclusion: The findings of the study indicate that pre-treatment with EEHO has a significant ulceroprotective and antioxidant activity in ethanol-induced ulcers, which supports its traditional use in folk medicine. This may open vista to explore various other therapeutic implications of this plant.