Teucrium polium L.: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties with an Emphasis on Oxidative Stress and Gastric Ulcer induced by ethanol in albinos rats

Teucrium species have been used in traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases. We aimed in the present study, at investigating the gastroprotective effect of Teucrium polium L methanolic extract (TPME) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats. Adult male Wistar Wistar rats were used and divided into five groups of eight each: control, EtOH/HCl (80 % v/v, 4 g/kg b.w.), EtOH 80 % + two doses of TPME (100 or 200 mg/kg, b.w.) and EtOH/HCl + Famotidine (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Animals were orally (p.o.) pre-treated with TPME and then intoxicated with a single oral administration of EtOH/HCl (4 g/kg b.w.). Ulcerogenic parameters, oxidative stress indices, and histopathological examination of the stomach were assessed. The bioactive compounds of TPME were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results obtained indicated that pre-treatment with TPME significantly reduced the formation of ulcer at the two administered doses. Similarly, pre-treatments improved the antioxidant system, decreased acid output, lipid peroxidation, and improved the architecture of the gastric mucosa in ulcerated rats. HPLC results identified the presence of three phenolic acid derivates (p-coumaric, ferulic and syringic acids) and three flavonoids (myricetin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside and hyperoside). This study allowed us to conclude that TPME have a strong antioxidant and gastroprotective activities due to its richness on phenolic compounds.