Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Effects of Ferula Plant Extract Against Indomethacin Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats

Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and may cause oxidative damage in the stomach tissue. Scientific studies are carried out to discover alternative bioactive phytocompounds and to reveal herbal products with pharmacological effects. In our study, we investigated whether the Ferula, which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, used for treatment of erectile dysfunction in men, menopausal disorders, diabetes, and prevention of osteoporosis, is effective in the treatment of gastric ulcer. 36 Sprague-Dawley adolescent male rats were divided into six groups: indomethacin, indomethacin + Famotidine, indomethacin + Ferula 400 mg, indomethacin + Ferula 800 mg, Ferula 800 mg, and healthy. It was determined that ulcerative areas were decreased in the high-dose group of Ferula extract. SOD, GSH, and CAT levels increased with Ferula extract in 800 mg doses, and MDA levels decreased with Ferula extract in 800 mg doses compared to the indomethacin group. <i>TNF-α</i> and <i>p53</i> gene expression levels were decreased in Ferula extract in low doses (600 mg) compared to the indomethacin group. We determined that Ferula was effective in gastric ulcers. <i>Ferula orientalis</i> plant extract may be an alternative way to prevent drug-induced gastric ulcer. This anti-ulcer effect will be used as a food supplement in the future with further studies.