Antiulcer Activity of Ceratophyllum Submersum Linn.: Pharmacological Evaluation and Mechanistic Insights

Abstract

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant global health issue, often requiring long-term treatment with conventional drugs that may have adverse effects. This study investigates the antiulcer potential of Ceratophyllum submersum Linn., a submerged aquatic plant, using established in vivo models of gastric ulceration to explore its efficacy, biochemical impact and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Methanol derived and aqueous extracts of Ceratophyllum submersum were assessed for their antiulcer action in Wistar rats employing pylorus ligation and ethanol-induced ulcer models. The study measured gastric volume, pH, free and total acidity, mucus content and ulcer index. Histopathological analysis was performed to assess tissue integrity and inflammatory responses. Results: In the pylorus ligation model, the methanol derived extract at dose of 500 mg/kg (MECS500) considerably reduced gastric volume to 7.914 ± 0.450 (p < 0.01) related to the control (10.746 ± 0.482). The pH increased to 3.696 ± 0.149 (p < 0.01) versus 2.742 ± 0.158 in the control. Free acidity decreased to 24.72 ± 1.276 (p < 0.01) and total acidity to 51.44 ± 2.877 (p < 0.01). The ulcer index was notably reduced to 2.318 ± 0.393 (p < 0.01) from 5.837 ± 0.455 and mucus content increased to 0.205 ± 0.008 (p < 0.01). In the ethanol-induced model, MECS500 reduced the ulcer index to 1.083 ± 0.282 (p < 0.01) compared to 2.950 ± 0.340 in the control and increased mucus content to 0.310 ± 0.018 (p < 0.01). Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, showing significant mucosal preservation and reduced inflammation in treated groups. Conclusion: Ceratophyllum submersum exhibits significant antiulcer activity, particularly the methanolic extract at 500 mg/kg, as evidenced by reductions in gastric volume, acidity and ulcer indices and increased pH and mucus content. These findings highlight the potential of Ceratophyllum submersum as a natural therapeutic for peptic ulcer disease, warranting further investigation into its active compounds and clinical application.