Anti-ulcer Effect of the Methanol Fraction of Cuminum cyminum Leaves against Diclofenac-induced Gastric Mucosal Damage

Abstract

The present study investigated the anti-ulcer effect of the methanol fraction of Cuminum cyminum leaves (MFCCL) on diclofenac-induced gastric mucosal damage in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract and fractions revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, and alkaloids in varying proportions. In vitro antioxidant analyses showed a dose-dependent increase in DPPH radical-scavenging activity, ferric reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity, with the methanol fraction exhibiting significantly higher activity than the other fractions. GC-FID analysis of MFCCL identified ten bioactive flavonoids. An acute toxicity study showed no signs of toxicity or mortality up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. MFCCL at 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly reduced gastric juice volume and ulcer index and increased gastric juice pH compared to the diclofenac-treated group, with effects comparable to ranitidine (100 mg/kg). Histopathological examination revealed that MFCCL, especially at 400 mg/kg, efficiently arrested diclofenac-induced mucosal damage, smooth muscle distortion, and hemorrhage. MFCCL significantly decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GST compared with the diclofenac-treated group. The anti-ulcer effects of MFCCL may be attributed to its antioxidant properties and the presence of bioactive constituents. These findings suggest that MFCCL has significant gastroprotective potential against NSAID-induced gastric ulcers.