Gastroprotective mechanism of Paederia foetida Linn. (Rubiaceae)--a popular edible plant used by the tribal community of North-East India.

Background: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of Paederia foetida L. leaf for gastric ulcer.

Methods: The methanol extract of P. foetida L. leaves at two different dose levels was investigated for gastroprotective potential by using Indomethacin-pylorus ligation, alcohol induced and water immersion stress induced model in rats. In vitro DPPH* radical scavenging activity and western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats were also carried out. HPTLC analysis was done to understand the phyto-pharmacological relationship.

Results: Methanol extract at a dose level of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight showed 72 and 78% ulcer protection when compared to negative control whereas reference drug shown 82% protection in Indomethacin-pylorus ligation model. Further, methanol extract also showed protective effect against 70% v/v ethanol and stress induced gastric ulcer model. About 84% protection as compared to cimetidine (85%) was seen in western blot analysis of stomach tissue from pylorus ligatures rats. HPTLC analysis of methanol extract of P. foetida L. confirmed the presence of β-sitosterol. In DPPH* radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value was observed to be 43.52 μg/ml.

Conclusions: These observations established the traditional claim and thus Paederia foetida could be a potent gastroprotective agent for use in future. The gastroprotective activity might be mediated by the Nrf2 mediated antioxidant and anti secretory effects.