Characterization and Antiulcerogenic Effect of Different Solvent Extracts of Verbena hastata Plant on Indomethacin Induced Ulcer Albino Rats

Abstract

Peptic ulcers remain a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder with significant morbidity, often exacerbated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like indomethacin. This study evaluated the antiulcerogenic and antioxidant potential of different solvent fractions of Verbena hastata leaf extracts in indomethacin-induced ulcerated Wistar rats. Crude and ethyl acetate extracts were rich in flavonoids (6.59 ± 0.05 and 7.15 ± 0.04 mg/mL) and saponins (4.23 ± 0.06 and 5.28 ± 0.05 mg/mL), with phenols at the lowest levels (0.59 ± 0.15 and 0.79 ± 0.12 mg/mL), respectively. Rats were grouped and treated with 20 mg/kg body weight of n-hexane (NHFVA), ethyl acetate (EAFVA), n-butanol (BFVA), or residual (RFVA) extracts for 7 days post-ulcer induction. Gastric pH in the untreated group was markedly reduced (pH = 3.22), while omeprazole and EAFVA significantly increased pH (6.45 and 6.28, respectively; p < 0.05). Mucin content, indicative of mucosal protection, was lowest in the untreated group (0.93 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and significantly restored by EAFVA (2.16 ± 0.02 mg/mL), comparable to omeprazole (2.29 ± 0.03 mg/mL). EAFVA treatment markedly improved liver function markers with ALP, ACP, ALT, and AST activities reduced to 80.13 ± 2.03, 77.07 ± 4.61, 24.56 ± 1.17, and 17.91 ± 1.08 IU/L respectively, mirroring the omeprazole group. Similarly, serum antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, GST) and MDA levels in EAFVA-treated rats showed significant protection against oxidative stress, with stomach MDA levels reduced to 3.11 ± 0.12 µmol/mg protein versus 6.84 ± 0.25 in the untreated group. Histological assessment confirmed gastric mucosal integrity preservation in EAFVA-treated rats, with minimal edema, necrosis, or inflammatory infiltration. Kidney function indices (serum urea, electrolytes) remained stable across all treatment groups, suggesting low systemic toxicity. In conclusion, Verbena hastata, particularly its ethyl acetate extract, demonstrated significant gastroprotective, antioxidant, and organ-preserving properties comparable to standard omeprazole therapy, validating its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for peptic ulcer management.