In vivo ASSESSMENT OF HYDROMETHANOLIC FRACTION OF Citrullus lanatus SEEDS EXTRACT AND CAFFEINE ON ASPIRIN-INDUCED GASTRITIS IN WISTAR RATS

This study was carried out to investigate the gastro-protective effect of hydromethanolic fraction of Citrullus lanatus seeds extract (HmFClsE) and caffeine on aspirin-induced gastritis in Wistar rats. Gastritis in the experimental animals was induced by 200 mgkg-1 BW single oral dose of aspirin. Gastritis induced-animals were orally administered with different oral dose of HmFClsE and caffeine once daily for 21 days after gastritis induction. Gastric secretions and histopathology of the stomach were then evaluated. Administration of aspirin significantly increased (p<0.05) free and total acidity, gastric volume and ulcer index in the experimental animals. Histological study of the mucosal tissues in the experimental animals showed ulcerated region without epithelium. There were numerous inflammatory cells within this tissue and ulcerated surface containing granulation tissue with inflammatory cells. Administration of HmFClsE and caffeine however, speed up the gastritis healing process, which is associated with decreased total and free acidity, gastric volume and ulcer index activity level in the gastric mucosa and normalization of gastric epithelial cells of the mucosa similar to the normal control group. This indicates enhanced mucus modulation by HmFClsE and caffeine; suggestive of its significant gastro protective role in gastritis healing process.