Gastroprotective, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of the Aqueous Root Bark Extract of Cassia arereh Del. (Caesalpiniaceae) in a Wistar Rat Model
Mezui Christophe *
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 047, Yaounde, Cameroon
Nkenfou Céline
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 047, Yaounde, Cameroon
Amang André Perfusion
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, P.O.Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon
Ndji Otto Gustave
Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
Nkwengoua Ernestine
Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
Djougné Patricia
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 047, Yaounde, Cameroon
Lémoupa Blaise
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 047, Yaounde, Cameroon
Fouman Jean Mermoze
Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teachers’ Training College, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 047, Yaounde, Cameroon
Tan Paul Vernyuy
Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaounde I, P.O.Box 812, Yaounde, Cameroon
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The objective of this study is to evaluate gastric cytoprotective, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of aqueous root bark extract of Cassia arereh (AECA).
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biological Sciences (Animal Physiology Laboratory, Biochemistry Laboratory), Higher Teachers’ Training College and Department of Organic Chemistry (Laboratory of medicinal chemistry), Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I. Between August 2015 and December 2016.
Materials and Methods: Phytochemical screening of AECA was carried out. Experimental Wistar rats were used to evaluate the antiulcerogenic effects by four methods: HCl/ethanol; indometacin - HCl/ethanol; indomethacin and pylorus-ligated. The gastric ulcerations, mucus production, pH, volume and acidity of the gastric juice were measured. Some parameters of oxidative stress (SOD and MDA) were measured in stomach samples obtained from the animals in the indomethacin model. The inhibition parameters of the bacterial growth to the extract were determined by the micro-dilution assay.
Results: The phytochemical screening revealed that the AECA contained bioactive substances such as triterpenes, sterols, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins, tannins and lipids. AECA (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) dose-dependently prevented ulcer formation by HCl/ethanol (11.13%, 23.51% and 55.26% of inhibition), indomethacin/HCl-ethanol (14.78% and 41.20% for 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively), indomethacin (10.39%, 40.26 and 87.01%) and pylorus ligature (2.25%, 28.60% and 40.99%). The inhibitory effect of the extract against HCl/ethanol induced ulcer was decreased by the pre-treatment with indomethacin (30 mg/kg, i.p.). ECO reduced Shay-ligated gastric acid secretion from 81.80±02.39 mEq/l in the controls to 56.00±06.49, 53.70±04.76 and 42.75±07.49 mEq/l for the extract doses 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. AECA is bactericidal on all strains tested with MIC = 250 μg / ml and MBC / MIC ratio = 2. The prophylactic action of AECA was associated with significant increases in gastric mucus production. The levels of SOD were improved and the levels of MDA were decreased in rats treated with the extract.
Conclusion: The antiulcer activity of AECA was attributed to its ability to reduce acid secretion, to enhance mucosal defense, to improve in vivo antioxidant status and for its antibacterial properties.
Keywords: Cassia arareh, gastric ulcer, Caesalpiniaceae, antioxidant, antibacterial activity