Evaluation of traditionally claimed anti-ulcerant potential of poly-herbal preparation using rat model

Abstract

Background: Despite the proven effectiveness of many traditional polyherbal medicines, their scientific mechanisms of action often remain unclear. Qarahine is one such compound preparation, and its purported therapeutic benefits for ulcer treatment require empirical validation to understand its rationale. Objective: This study was conducted to validate the anti-ulcer effect of the polyherbal preparation Qarahine through integrated in-vivo and in-vitro studies, specifically measuring its ulcer-curative potential and assessing its effectiveness against duodenal ulcers. Methods: The anti-ulcer activity was evaluated in vivo using rodent models of ethanol-induced, NSAID-induced, and stress-induced gastric ulcers at two dose levels (50 and 100 mg/kg). Histopathological examination of stomach tissues provided supporting evidence. The in-vitro spasmolytic effect was assessed on isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, testing the crude extract on spontaneous, high K+ (80 mM)-induced, and carbachol (1 µM)-induced contractions, with verapamil used as a standard reference. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcomes were the percentage cure of induced ulcers in the different models and the concentration-dependent spasmolytic response in the isolated tissue experiments. Results: Qarahine demonstrated significant, dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity. It cured 31.1% and 60% of ethanol-induced ulcers, 46.7% and 86.7% of NSAID-induced ulcers, and 33.3% and 76.3% of stress-induced ulcers at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Histopathological analysis strongly corroborated these findings. In vitro, the extract exhibited a concentration-dependent spasmolytic effect, inhibiting contractions induced by high K+ and carbachol, similar to the calcium channel blocker verapamil, suggesting a potential mechanism involving calcium channel blockade. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide robust scientific evidence for the anti-ulcer efficacy of Qarahine. Based on these findings, Qarahine can be recommended as an effective and alternative remedy for the treatment of gastric ulcers.