Gastroprotective, antisecretory and ulcer-healing effects of the aqueous stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla Delile in Wistar rats.

Abstract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remains a significant global health problem associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol consumption, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Ficus platyphylla Delile (Moraceae) is widely distributed in West Africa and is traditionally used in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach pain and ulcers, suggesting potential gastroprotective properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the gastroprotective effects of the aqueous stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla (ASBF) using multiple experimental ulcer models and explored its potential mechanisms, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ASBF (125, 250, and 500&#xa0;mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in ethanol-induced, indomethacin-induced, acetic acid-induced, and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer models in Wistar rats. Ulcer indices, gastric secretion parameters, and histopathological changes were assessed. Phytochemical profiling was performed using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analyses. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Omeprazole served as the reference drug. RESULTS: ASBF produced significant (p&#xa0;<&#xa0;0.05) and dose-dependent gastroprotective effects across all models, with up to 97-99% inhibition of ulceration at 500&#xa0;mg/kg. The extract significantly reduced gastric volume and total acidity while increasing gastric pH in the pylorus ligation model. Histological analysis confirmed restoration of gastric mucosal architecture. GC-MS analysis tentatively identified phenolic compounds and fatty acids, while LC-MS/MS profiling revealed the presence of protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids. The extract exhibited strong, concentration-dependent ferric reducing antioxidant power, indicating potent electron-donating capacity. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that Ficus platyphylla possesses significant gastroprotective activity, potentially mediated through antioxidant, cytoprotective, and anti-secretory mechanisms. These results provide pharmacological support for its traditional use in the management of gastric ulcers. However, further studies are required to confirm the identities of the bioactive compounds and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.