Isolation of Major Compounds and Gastroprotective Activity of Alchemilla Caucasica on Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcers in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The Alchemilla genus, which belongs to the Rosaceae family, is known as Lady's mantle and is commonly used in traditional medicine. This study was designed to investigate the major metabolites isolation and gastroprotective effects of Alchemilla caucasica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical studies were carried out using column chromatography on Alchemilla caucasica. The gastroprotective effect of ethanol extract of this plant was tested on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) parameters in the stomach tissue were examined. RESULTS: Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, apigenin, and catechin were isolated from aerial parts of Alchemilla caucasica. When macroscopic ulcer index and histopathological results were analyzed, the extract at 200 mg/kg dose was found to be most effective. All doses of extract reduced MDA level and enhanced SOD activity and GSH level. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that Alchemilla caucasica has significant antiulcer activity. This effect was thought to be caused by antioxidant properties of flavonoids.