Effect Of Polyherbal Formulation (Aju Mbaise) On Antioxidant Parameters (Sod, Cat, Mda, Gpx) In Ethanol Induced Ulcerated Rats:- Amah, Akachukwu F

ABSTRACT Aju Mbaise is a traditional polyherbal formulation used widely in Mbaise area of Imo state Nigeria for various therapeutic purposes. It is majorly used as a post natal supplement for nursing mothers. Although the extract has been purported to have some level of gastrointestinal protection ability, there is insufficient scientific information that backs up this claim, especially with respect to its effect on antioxidant parameters in ulcerogenic conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the methanol extract of Aju Mbaise on antioxidant parameters in ethanol induced ulcer. To estimate the possible mechanisms of action, we examined the levels of oxidative stress marker, malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). According the result of this study, rats treated with only 80% ethanol (vehicle group) exhibited significant increases (P

<0.05) in their ulcer area and ulcer index (UI). Moreover, the levels ofMDA markedly increased in the vehicle group compared with the normal control group. Administration of methanol extract of Aju Mbaise polyherbal formulation (400 and 800 mg/kg) not only significantly decreased (P><0.05) the ulcer area and UI, but also remarkably decreased MDA levels in gastric tissue. Gastric ulcers induced by ethanol had significantly decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx), whereas pretreatment with the extract significantly improved the activities of CAT, SOD, and GPx. These findings suggest that methanol extract of Aju Mbaise polyherbal formulation potentially exerts its gastro protective effects by suppressing oxidative stress and stimulating antioxidant enzymes, which is one of the causes of destruction of cell membranes, and it is involved in the pathogenesis of acute gastric ulcers induced by ethanol.>