Gastroprotective effect of the hydroethanolic extract of Psoralea glandulosa (culén) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats

Perez Azurza E.A.; Mollo Urbano J.C.; Samaniego Tiahuallpa F.B.; Rosario León P.H.; Cárdenas Suca A.J.; Huamán Gutiérrez O.G.; Sandoval Vegas M.H.; Velásquez Ramos L.D. · Nutricion Clinica y Dietetica Hospitalaria (2026) · DOI: 10.12873/461eaperez

Resumen

Objective: To determine the gastroprotective effect of the dry hydroethanolic extract of Psoralea glandulosa (culén) leaves on ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats. Materials and Methods: An in vivo, experimental, comparative, and randomized study was conducted using 48 male Holtzman rats, distributed into six groups (n = 8): healthy control (physiological saline), damage control (70% ethanol), group with induced damage without subsequent active treatment (ethanol + saline), positive control (ethanol + sucralfate 500 mg/kg), and two experimental groups (ethanol + culén extract at 300 and 500 mg/kg). Gastric damage was induced by a single dose of 70% ethanol (10 mL/kg) administered via the orogastric route. Treatments were given for three consecutive days. The macroscopic lesion index, gastric mucus content, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), glutathione profile (GSH, GSH/GSSG), and histological analysis were evaluated. Results: Administration of P. glandulosa extract at 500 mg/kg produced the greatest inhibition of macroscopic damage (70.6%, p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (27.8%, p < 0.05). It also significantly increased reduced GSH levels (27.6%) and the GSH/GSSG ratio (2.44 ± 1.55, p < 0.05) compared with the ethanol damage control group. Histological analysis showed preservation of mucosal architecture and epithelial regeneration. Conclusion: The hydroethanolic extract of P. glandulosa leaves exhibits a significant gastroprotective effect against ethanol-induced gastric damage in rats, mediated by attenuation of oxidative stress and enhancement of the antioxidant defense mechanisms of the gastric mucosa.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos