Inhibitory Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Barley and Fenugreek on Ulcer Induction in Rats

Abstract

3 Abstract: Aqueous extracts of barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.) and fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) were administered to a group of Albino rats (n= 42) previously subjected to aspirin at 400mg/kg b.w., for gastric ulcer induction. Two levels of intakes were used 13 ml/kg b.w. (L ) and 26 ml /kg b.w. (L ) of 12 each extract as well as a mixture of both (1:1 v:v) of L. Six rats were used for each treatment .Treated rats with 1 aqueous extracts showed significant decline in ulceration severity expressed as determined by ulcer index as well as curative ratios. Moreover, curative ratios ranged between 68.13 and 95.56% in aspirin - induced gastric ulceration groups as related to the control (+ve). Results of total carbohydrate / protein ratio in mucus reduced significantly in the ulcerated group (1.47±0.02) compared to the normal control rats (5.35 ± 0.07). However, this ratio was increased significantly in rats given the aqueous extracts of barley or/ and fenugreek at all levels of intake compared to the +ve control group. When rats were given the aqueous extracts of barley or/ and fenugreek and its mixture at any level of intake, the MDA concentration was decreased significantly, with the lowest value of 3.31±0.04 nmol/g was seen when rats were given the extract as a mixture (G7). On the contrary GSH enzyme concentration in the gastric mucus was significantly reduced in the ulcerated rats (2.40±0.03 nmol/g) compared to the normal rats (3.50±0.03 nmol/g). Concerning the histopathological examination, results revealed that animals treated with barley and fenugreek showed low lesion in stomach compared to ulcerated animals. These results indicated the highly potential effect of these plants against ulcer in rats. In conclusion, this study recommends using barley grains and fenugreek seeds as potentially protective natural compound as a treatment against ulcer. Thus we suggest that barley and fenugreek may have beneficial health effects on human subjects.