Therapeutic Effects of Esomeprazole, Curcumin, Chitosan, and Curcumin-Chitosan Mixture on Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Female Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric ulcer (GU) is a prevalent health issue linked to alcohol consumption, smoking, and physiological stress. This study aims to assess the therapeutic effects of esomeprazole (40 mg), curcumin (40 mg/kg), chitosan (150 mg/kg), and a mixture of curcumin (40 mg/kg) and chitosan (150 mg/kg) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats. Method: The study involved 30 female rats with an average weight ranging from 179.1 to 180.3 gm. Rats were divided into two control groups and four treated groups (esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and mixture), each containing 5 rats. Gastric ulcers were induced by orally administering 2 ml of absolute ethanol to All groups, except the negative control, after a 19-hour fasting period. Therapeutic effects were evaluated by assessing gastric juice volume and pH, ulcer index, curative index, and through morphological and histological examination of the stomach. Results: The study revealed a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in body weight percentage change in the curcumin-treated group compared to the positive control. Esomeprazole, chitosan, and the mixture showed mixture showed no significant change (p>0.05). Additionally, esomeprazole, curcumin, chitosan, and the mixture demonstrated a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in ulcer index and gastric juice volume, with a significant increase (p≤0.05) in pH compared to the positive control. Conclusion: In conclusion, esomeprazole, chitosan, and the mixture demonstrated notable protective effects and therapeutic effects by reducing ulcer index and gastric juice volume in ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in female rats.