Trio-clar Versus Portulaca Oleracea and/or Foeniculum Vulgare Extracts on Induced Gastric Ulcer in Adult Female Albino Rats. A Histological Study

Introduction: Gastric ulcer is a complex disease affecting the stomach. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common cause of gastric ulcers. Drugs used in gastric treatment induce side effects and drug interactions. Portulaca oleracea L. (purslane), Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (Fennel) are herbal remedies having gastro-protective effects.Aim of work: To assess the cytoprotective effects of trio-clar versus fennel and ∕or purslane on aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in adult female albino rats.Materials and Methods: Forty-two adult female albino rats were divided into three main groups. Group I (control group). Group II (gastric ulcer), overnight fasted rats received aspirin solution (300 mg/kg/day) orally by gastric tube. GroupIIIincorporated as the treated gastric ulcer group that was subdivided equally into four subgroups. GIIIa: gastric ulcer treated with Trio-clar. GIIIb: gastric ulcer treated with purslane extract at dose 750 mg ∕ kg. GIIIc: gastric ulcer treated with fennel extract at a dose of 300 mg ∕ kg. GIIId: gastric ulcer treated with a combined dose of purslane and fennel extract. Fundus of stomach specimens was prepared and examined using different histological techniques.Results: Light microscopic study of the gastric ulcer group depicted severe mucosal injury in the form of ulcerative erosion, dilated distorted glandular architecture, damage of parietal and chief cells with vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei, congested blood vessels and inflammatory cellular infiltration. A reduction of combined Alcian blue and Periodic-Acid-Schiff reaction coupled to a significant increase in area percentage of collagen fibers observed upon aspirin administration. The ultrastructural assessment confirmed these distortions. The treated groups showed different degrees of improvement in the histological changes depicted previously with priority to the combined administration of purslane and fennel extracts.Conclusion: Combined administration of purslane and fennel was more effective in enhancing the healing process than either purslane, fennel alone or trio-clar drug.