Anti-ulcerogenic potential of anthocyanin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles against alcohol-HCl induced gastric ulcer in rats

Chitosan is more prominent in food applications due to its versatile properties. Anthocyanins have gained much research attention due to their multifaceted role in preventing various lifestyle ailments. Encapsulated anthocyanin- loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) were prepared by conventional ionotropic gelation method. In the present study, the gastro-protective effect of encapsulated ACNPs was evaluated against absolute ethanol-hydrochloric acid (HCl-Ethanol mixture) induced gastric ulcer in male Wistar rats. The histopathology and microscopic scoring of ulcer data of stomach tissue sections revealed that oral administration of encapsulated ACNPs group can alleviate inflammation of induced-gastric ulcer. Further, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin 4, IL-4) and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interferon gamma, IFN-gamma) confirm the cytoprotective effect of encapsulated ACNPs against HCl-Ethanol induced necrotic damage to mucosal membrane. The results of the present study indicate that the gastro protective action of encapsulated ACNPs ascribable to at least in parts to its anti-inflammatory property. [GRAPHICS]