In vivo anti-ulcerogenic effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions

AbstractContext: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Malvaceae), is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as ulcers and gastritis.Objective: In the present study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effect of okra against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in animal models.Materials and methods: Wistar rats were treated with 500, 250 or 100 mg/kg okra; 20 mg/kg famotidine (Fam); and 75 mg/kg quercetin (Que). Following a 60 min period, all the rats were given 1 mL of ethanol (80%). One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed.Results: At 5000 mg/kg, the extract produced (okra) no signs of toxicity in animals. Okra 500, 250, 100, Fam 20 and Que 75 inhibited ulcer formation by 81.0, 67.5, 67.0, 76.3 and 72.4%, respectively. Okra 500 significantly decreased edema, hemorrhage and inflammation scores compared with the ethanol group (p < 0.05). The oxidant levels decreased significantly in the all study groups c...