Gastroprotective effect of an Algerian hydroalcoholic Punica granatum L. peel extract against ethanol/HCl-induced gastric mucosal injury in Wistar rats

Ulceration represents a significant pathological condition, and research into effective treatment is imperative. The present study sought to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of pomegranate hydroalcoholic peel extract (PGPE) on an ulcer model induced by acidified ethanol (HCl/ethanol) in Wistar rats. The experimental animals were divided into six groups. Group 1 was a negative control that was treated with distilled water. Group two was utilized as the positive control, receiving a treatment of acidified ethanol (20/80; v/v) with the objective of inducing ulceration. Groups three to six were administered 0.75, 1.50, and 3.0 g/kg of PGPE, along with 0.10 g/kg of omeprazole, which served as the reference pharmaceutical agent. Rats were administered acidified ethanol via oral gavage one hour later. A substantial increase in pH and an increase in gastric mucus were observed, accompanied by a decrease in gastric mucosal damage, in animals fed with PGPE. The histopathological results indicated significant destruction of the gastric mucosa in the ulcer control group. However, gastroprotective effects were observed in rats pretreated with plant extract. Current research suggests that PGPE has potential antiulcer effects, possibly through its high antioxidant activity, possibly due to its bioactive constituents. The results obtained from this study offer valuable insights into the nutritional composition of the products under scrutiny. It is recommended that further preclinical and clinical trials be conducted to evaluate the natural active agents and effectiveness of this plant.