<i>Tanacetum parthenium</i> and parthenolide increase defensive agents and promote antisecretory activity supporting their gastroprotective actions in rodents

<i>Tanacetum parthenium</i> is popularly used to treat gastric disorders. However, the gastroprotective activity has not yet been tested. This study evaluated the anti-ulcer gastric effects of hydroalcoholic extract from <i>T. parthenium</i> (HETp) and parthenolide (PTL), its bioactive compound. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in HETp (10, 30, or 100 mg/Kg) and PTL (5 and 50 mg/Kg) in ethanol and piroxicam-induced ulcers, and this evidence was corroborated histologically. In addition, we explored the acid antisecretory activity by the pylorus ligation. Moreover, in mice pre-treated with the inhibitors indomethacin, L-NAME, and yohimbine, the antiulcerogenic effects of HETp and PTL were abolished, suggesting the involvement of nitric oxide, adrenergic receptors and prostaglandins in gastroprotective effects. Additionally, HETp and PTL prevented the depletion of SOD and CAT and decreased the activity of MPO and the levels of GSH and LPO. The results suggest that gastroprotection of HETp and PTL involves different pharmacological pathways.