Phytochemical analysis and evaluation of ameliorating potential of Ricinus communis leaves extract against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in rabbits

Ricinus communis has been used as a traditional remedy for inflammation, rheumatism, liver disorders, headache, backache, abscesses, warts, dropsy, microbial infections and other ailments. The current study was mainly focused on its anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in albino rabbits. R. communis leaves ethanolic extract was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and elemental analysis. For the evaluation of antiulcer and antioxidant activities, rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) as normal control, aspirin (150 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) alone treated group, aspirin receiving groups treated with standard anti-ulcer drug ranitidine (20 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), and R. communis extract at 150, 300 and 450 mg kg(-1) day(-1), respectively via oral route. Blood and organ samples were collected for assessment of gastroprotective and antioxidant activities. Phytochemical analysis detected various phytoconstituents and significant concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, zinc, manganese and cobalt plant extract. Aspirin administration showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in gastric acidic pH, acid volume, total acid output, ulcer score and ulcer index. Treatment with R. communis extract significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated the ulcerogenic effects of aspirin. Also, R. communis treated groups showed a dose-dependent increase in antioxidant biomarkers (TAC, CAT) and reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers (TOS, MDA). Histopathological examination showed normalization of gastric mucosa in R. communis treated animals. Moreover, R. communis showed 69.25% gastric ulcer protection against aspirin as compared to ranitidine (72.17%). Collectively, it can be concluded that R. communis leaves extract could provide gastroprotection in NSAIDs receiving patients.