Evaluation of the Anti-ulcer Activity of Curcumin and Linseed Oil in an NSAID-induced Gastric Ulcer Model in Rats

Background: Peptic Ulcer Disease is characterized by acid-induced ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Their denuded mucosa with the distortion which extends into the submucosa or muscularis propria distinguishes them. The rationale behind this study was that long-term use of aspirin reduces Prostaglandins levels, due to which the protective mechanism of the gastric layer gets affected and results in sore formation and cytokine infiltration at the site of damage along with the inflammation. The study objective was to investigate the combination of curcumin (40 mg/kg) and flaxseed oil (5 mL/kg) compared to disease control and ranitidine hydrochloride (standard 50 mg/Kg) in an NSAID-induced gastric ulcer model. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were given standard, curcumin, and flaxseed oil individually and in combination for 10 days before being given aspirin. Body weight, macroscopic evaluation, ulcer index, percentage ulcer inhibition, gastric pH, volume, total acidity, and free acidity were studied. Histamine content, RBCs, and WBCs were also determined. Furthermore, an examination of antioxidant levels, histopathology, TNF-α, and IL-1β was done. Conclusion: The combination resulted in a gradual increase in body weight (11^th day). Clinically significant RBC and WBC counts were observed. In the estimation of the ulcer index, the combination was found to be highly significant. The combination demonstrated a significant change in inflammatory cell infiltration, gastric juice parameters, and minimal histamine content, indicating satisfactory ulcer-protective effects. Additionally, the combination increased GSH levels while decreasing lipid peroxidation. TNF-α and IL-1β levels were found to be significant. Anti-inflammatory and ulcer-protective potential was shown by the combination.