Evaluation of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) on Wound Healing of Gastrotomized Male Wistar Rats: Histopathological Changes

This study investigated the effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of licorice root on the healing of surgical gastric ulcers in rats. For this experimental study, thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were prepared, and first, a 16 mm incision was made in the greater curvature of the stomach, and then it was sutured in a single layer. The rats were then randomly distributed into three groups (n=12), a control group, and two other groups, which were treated with licorice hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg orally via gavage once daily for 21 consecutive days. Wound healing among the groups was compared and a determination was made for the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and serum antioxidant capacity. The mean rank of histopathological evaluation on the twentieth day after surgery showed a significant difference between the three groups. The difference in mean rank showed a significant increase between the group of rats treated with the extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg compared to the control group. The amount of MDA in the control group showed a significant increase compared to the groups treated with the extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg. Serum antioxidant capacity in the experimental group treated with extracts showed a significant increase in comparison with the control group. The results of this study showed that lipid peroxidation in a gastrotomy rat treated with licorice root hydroalcoholic extract decreased with a marked increase in antioxidant activity and subsequently accelerated the healing process of the gastric surgery site.