Protective action of ethanol extract of Rinorea subintegrifolia leaves and roots on gastric ulceration in Wistar rats

Medicinal plants rich in bioactive compounds have gained attention for their gastroprotective potential. This study evaluated the protective functions of ethanol extracts of Rinorea subintegrifolia leaves and roots against experimentally induced gastric ulceration in Wistar rats. Gastric ulcers were induced using ethanol and pylori ligation models of ulcer induction. Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, each comprising five rats. Group I received 5 ml/kg of normal saline (control), Group II was pretreated with 30 mg/kg of Ranitidine, Group III received 250 mg/kg of ELRS pretreatment, Group IV received 250 mg/kg of HRRS pretreatment and Group V received 250 mg/kg of ELRS +250 mg/kg of HRRS pretreatment. Following 14 days of pretreatment, gastric ulcers were induced and the stomachs excised for evaluation. Gastric tissues were assessed for ulcer index, gastric secretory parameters, and histopathological alterations. Pretreatment with Rinorea. subintegrifolia leaf and root extracts significantly reduced ulcer index and gastric acidity. Histopathological examination revealed marked preservation of gastric mucosal architecture in extract-treated groups, with reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and epithelial erosion. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ethanol extracts of Rinorea subintegrifolia leaves and roots possess notable gastroprotective activity, likely mediated through antisecretory, and cytoprotective mechanisms.