Gastroprotective effect of plantago major and matricaria chamomilla in the treatment of peptic ulcer; Efecto gastroprotector de Plantago major y Matricaria chamomilla en el tratamiento de la úlcera péptica

Abstract

Introduction: Peptic ulcer constitutes a prevalent gastrointestinal pathology worldwide. Its prevention and treatment require effective and safe therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants such as Plantago major and Matricaria chamomilla represent viable options for their gastroprotective activity. Objective: To evaluate the gastroprotective effect of extracts of Plantago major and Matricaria chamomilla in an induced model of gastric ulcer in rats. Methods: An experimental study was performed on 35 male rats. Ethanolic extracts at doses of 500 and 200 mg/kg were tested by ulcer induction with ketorolac for seven days. The area of gastric lesions was measured by image analysis and histopathological evaluation of the mucosa was performed. Results: Both extracts showed dose-dependent gastroprotective activity. Matricaria chamomilla (500 mg/kg) inhibited ulcer damage by 67.57 %, comparable to ranitidine. Histological analysis confirmed mucosal preservation in the face of acute inflammation by ketorolac. Conclusion: It was evidenced that the extracts studied can be natural, effective and safe therapeutic alternatives for the prevention and coadjuvant treatment of gastrointestinal ulcer pathology. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.