Gastroprotective Effect of Ginsenoside Re on Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Wistar Rats

Ginsenoside Re (G.Re) has been gaining use as a dietary phytochemical. However, there are few studies on its effect on gastric ulcers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective property of ginsenoside Re on ethanol-induced ulcers in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were grouped into five; Groups 3-5 were pretreated with omeprazole 20mg/kg, G. Re 10mg/kg and 20mg/kg, respectively, once daily for two weeks before challenging groups 2-5 with 1mL absolute ethanol. Group 1 served as the normal control, while Group 2, the negative control, had no pretreatment. The animals were sacrificed, and their stomachs were excised for biochemical analysis. Molecular docking of G.Re on H+/K+ ATPase and in silico prediction of its pharmacokinetic properties were carried out. Pretreatment with G.Re significantly reduced gastric lesions, gastric juice volume, acidity, and increased pH. Group 5 showed a significant decrease in MDA level and an increase in SOD, GSH, GST, and CAT activities when compared to Group 2. Molecular docking analysis showed that G.Re exhibited a higher binding affinity against H+/K+ ATPase than Omeprazole, and in silico pharmacokinetic prediction, it possesses low bioavailability and no inhibitory effect on cytochrome P450. Further research on the mode of action of G.Re and improvement on the bioavailability and solubility of G.Re to make it a druggable molecule for treating gastric ulcers is recommended.