In vivo anti-ulcerogenic effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions

Context: Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) (Malvaceae), is a medicinal plant widely used in Turkish traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as ulcers and gastritis.

Objective: In the present study, we evaluated the gastroprotective effect of okra against ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in animal models.

Materials and methods: Wistar rats were treated with 500, 250 or 100?mg/kg okra; 20?mg/kg famotidine (Fam); and 75?mg/kg quercetin (Que). Following a 60?min period, all the rats were given 1?mL of ethanol (80%). One hour after the administration of ethanol, all groups were sacrificed.

Results: At 5000?mg/kg, the extract produced (okra) no signs of toxicity in animals. Okra 500, 250, 100, Fam 20 and Que 75 inhibited ulcer formation by 81.0, 67.5, 67.0, 76.3 and 72.4%, respectively. Okra 500 significantly decreased edema, hemorrhage and inflammation scores compared with the ethanol group (p?p?p?p?Discussion and conclusions: Our in vivo data indicate that okra has a gastroprotective effect against ethanol and could reduce the gastric ulcer as seen from biochemical and histopathological results. We suggest that okra could be a possible therapeutic antiulcer agent.