Evaluation of gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and hypotensive activities of Ulmus campestris bark extract

Abstract

The present study was conducted to explore the antioxidant, antiulcer, hepatoprotective and vasodilatory effects of Ulmus campestris (Ulmaceae) ethanol bark extract at different doses, using several experimental methods. The extract was evaluated for its antioxidant activity different model systems, including hydroxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and linoleic acid. For antiulcer and gastro-protective effects, ethanol- and indometacin-induced gastric damage were used, while for hepatoprotective activity, aluminium- and D-galactose induced hepato-toxicity was examined by histopathological analysis of liver section. The hypotensive effect on the contractile activity was also evaluated on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded porcine ring aorta. The results of the present study revealed a potent antioxidant activity against DPPH (IC50= 3.90 μg/mL) and OH− (IC50=40.13 μg/mL) radicals, lipid peroxidation (30.41±2.53%) and a significant gastro-protective effect in both ethanol- and indometacin-induced gastric ulcer (90%). The extract also demonstrated a high protection against AlCl3-D-Galactose induced hepatotoxicity. The relaxant effect of extract was endothelium-dependant (109.73%, IC50=0.002 mg/mL), without any change in eNOS phosporylation. The results of the present study indicated that U. campestris ethanol bark extract exhibited considerable antioxidant activity and protective effect against gastric ulcer and liver damage, as well as a pronouncedendothelium-dependent and NO-independent relaxation in porcine coronary artery.