Aim: This study was designed to study the protective effects of Quercetin against indomethacin induced gastric damage in rats.
Materials and Methods: Adult male albino rats weighing 180 – 200 gm were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 received an ulcerogenic dose of indomethacin (200 mg/kg body weight) in drinking water. Group 3: receives quercetin orally at a dose of 50mg/kg body weight for one week before induction of gastric ulcer with indomethacin.
Results: A significant reduction in number and the mean area of gastric ulcer, gastric tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and the plasma levels of tumor necrotic factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1-B (IL-1B) and a significant increases in the PH, gastric tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were observed in quercetin treated rats compared to indomethacin ulcerated rats.
Conclusion: Quercetin exerts a potent anti-inflammatory gastroprotective effect besides its clear antioxidant effect against indomethacin induced gastric ulcer.