Objective:

2

To quantify phytochemicals using liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LCMS) analysis and explore the therapeutic effect of

Aesculus hippocastanum

L. (AH) seeds ethanolic extract against gastric ulcers in rats.

Methods:

2

Preliminary phytochemical testing and LCMS analysis were performed according to standard methods. For treatment

the animals were divided into 7 groups including normal control

ulcer control

self-healing

AH seeds low and high doses

ranitidine and

per se

groups. Rats were orally administered with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin

excluding the normal control group (which received 1% carboxy methyl cellulose) and the

per se

group (received 200 mg/kg AH seeds extract). The test group rats were then given 2 doses of AH seeds extract (100 and 200 mg/kg

respectively)

while the standard group was given ranitidine (50 mg/kg). On the 11th day

rats in all groups were sacrificed

and their stomach was isolated to calculate the ulcer index

and other parameters such as blood prostaglandin (PGE

2

)

tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD)

catalase (CAT)

malonyldialdehyde (MDA)

and glutathione (GSH). All isolated stomach tissues were analyzed for histopathological findings.

Results:

2

The phytochemical examination shows that the AH seeds contain alkaloids

flavonoids

saponins

phenolic components

and glycosides. LCMS analysis confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin. The AH seeds extract showed significant improvement in gastric mucosa conditions after indomethacin-induced gastric lesions (

P

<

0.01). Further marked improvement in blood PGE

2

and antioxidant enzymes

SOD

CAT

MDA and GSH

were observed compared with self-healing and untreated ulcer-induced groups (

P

<

0.01). Histopathology results confirmed that AH seeds extract improved the mucosal layer and gastric epithelial membrane in treated groups compared to untreated ulcer-induced groups.

Conclusions:

2

LCMS report confirms the presence of quercetin and rutin in AH seeds ethanolic extract. The therapeutic effect of AH seeds extract against indomethacin-induced ulcer in rat model indicated the regenerated membrane integrity

with improved cellular functions and mucus thickness. Further

improved antioxidant enzyme level would help to reduce PGE

2

biosynthesis.