Management of <i>Citrus sinensis</i> peels for protection and treatment against gastric ulcer induced by ethanol in rats

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Stomach ulcer is one of the most prevalent disorders worldwide. The study was aimed to isolate and characterize the major polymethoxylated flavonoids in <i>Citrus sinensis</i> peels petroleum ether extract and investigate its protective and curative effect on gastric ulcer.<b>Material and methods:</b> Some spectral analyses were used for identification of the isolated compounds from the petroleum ether extract of <i>Citrus sinensis</i> peels. One oral dose (0.5 ml/100 g b.wt.) of absolute ethanol was orally given to rats after starvation for 24 h to induce gastric ulcer. To explore the protective and curative role of the plant extract, it was orally (250 mg/kg b.wt.) given for 1 week either before or post-ulcer induction. A reference drug, ranitidine (100 mg/kg b.wt.), was also evaluated. Stomach acidity, gastric volume, lesion counts, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (AP), interlukin-10 (IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were estimated. Stomach histopathological features were monitored.<b>Results:</b> Nine polymethoxy flavonoids were identified from the extract. Treatment with <i>C. sinensis</i> peels extract recorded amelioration in all parameters.<b>Conclusion</b>: <i>Citrus sinensis</i> petroleum ether peels extract had protective and curative effects against gastric ulcer. Therefore, the extract recorded anti-secretory, anti-ulcerative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Its healing action exceeded its protective role due to its richness in polymethoxylated flavonoids.