Gastroprotective effect of sagu pearls on diclofenac sodium induced gastric ulcer

ABSTRACT

To see the possible gastro protective effect of Sagu pearls on Diclofenac Sodium [NSAID] induced gastric ulcer by enhancing mucosal barrier. Randomized control trial. The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with National Institute of Health, Islamabad. It was conducted for a period of six months, from 15th September 2014 till 30th March, 2015. Fifty adult rats of both sexes of Sprague Drawly strain were divided into three groups Group I [control]; Group II [ulcer group] given Diclofenac sodium orally at the dose of 50mg/kg body weight, daily for 2 weeks and Group III given Sagu pearls daily at the dose of 200mg/kg body weight for 2 weeks along with Diclofenac Sodium. Animals of all the groups were sacrificed on day 16 and their stomachs were studied macro and microscopically. Statistical analysis was done to see any significant difference between the groups. Anti-ulcer effects were assessed on the qualitative and quantitative parameters like ulcer size and index, histological determination of depth of the mucosal lesion and mucus thickness. Results highlighted the probable protective effect of Sagu pearls by exhibiting almost 90% decrease in ulcer index in group III accompanied by a continuous thick mucus layer on the surface of mucosal cells confirmed by Periodic Acid Schiff [PAS] stain. Sagudana can provide protection against NSAID induced gastric ulcer by strengthening mucus barrier and thus can be used as an adjunct along with NSAIDs